The purpose of this course is to introduce candidates to a study of human growth and development, to explore historical perspectives in education, and to build a philosophy of teaching and learning. The course will emphasize physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. Each developmental area will emphasize the process of socialization in diverse familial, linguistic, and cultural settings. Specific issues regarding physical education, health, play, attachment, gender, culture, self concept, specific learning needs, along with other current issues will be discussed. Using practical and theoretical objectives,the class will explore the relevance of the developmental process as it applies in academic and social settings and provide theory-based research approaches for working with critical areas of development.