Syllabus

Unit-1: Cognition and Cognitive Development
Introduction to Cognition and Cognitive Development, Methods for Studying Cognitive Development across life-span

Unit-2: Theories of Cognitive Development
Pre-natal Development, Perceptual Development, Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development, Number Cognition, Reasoning and Problem Solving, Memory Development, Cognitive Development and Culture, Conceptual Development, Biological Reasoning, Psychological Reasoning

Unit-3: Language Development
Language Acquisition: Bilingualism, Critical Periods, The Whorfian Hypothesis, Theory of Mind Development

Unit-4: Delays in Cognitive Development
Developmental Delay and Disability, High-risk babies and Early Sensory Stimulation, Multi-modal developmental screening and assessment.

Unit-5: Cognitive Decline and Neuroplasticity Research
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disorders, Assessment of Cognitive Decline, Standardized tools of assessment of Cognitive Decline, Insights from Neuroplasticity Research and Neurogym on reversing cognitive decline

To orient students on the concept, theories and applications of cognitive development and assesment

1. Acquire a primary level understanding of cognitive developmental milestones achieved by the individual starting from prenatal stage to old age, the methods to assess them, typical and atypical developments, delays in development.
2. Develop in depth knowledge of how people think about various domains at different ages.
3. Draw connections between developmental research and real-world experience.
4. Acquire the ability to critically evaluate theories of cognitive development based on available evidence.

Flavell, J.H., Patricia, H. M. & Miller, S.A., Cognitive Development (4th Edn.)., Prentice Hall.2001

McClelland, J.L., Siegler, R.S., Mechanisms of Cognitive Development: Behavioral and Neural Perspectives., Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 2001

Berk, L.E., Child Development., Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd.2007

Bornstein, M.H. &. Lamb, M.E., Cognitive Development: An Advanced Textbook (Ed.)., Psychology Press.2011