Children and Poverty:
Developmental Implications

Psychology 405 / 594B Spring 2000

Tuesday / Thursday 9:30 to 10:45 AM

University of Notre Dame

Phone: (219) 631-5293
Fax: (219) 631-4171
Email: Jay.W.Brandenberger.1@nd.edu

Course Overview and Objectives

Every fifth child in America faces hunger or poverty. This course examines the impact of rising levels of child poverty and related concerns from the perspectives of developmental and social psychology. Topics will include changing family demographics, the effects of homelessness, educational inequalities, the experience of children among specific ethnic/cultural groups, children and violence, child development and social policy, and the like. Central to the course will be an emphasis on children's developing cognitive perceptions of self in relation to society, and an examination of potential solutions/model programs (e.g. Head Start). Readings will be drawn from a variety of sources and discussed in seminar format. Active student participation (both within and outside of the classroom) will contribute to the course.

Objectives include:

To examine the impact of poverty and related concerns on children's physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development (through relevant research, class and media presentations, and personal observation)

To examine/evaluate developmentally oriented solutions, policies, and model programs attempting to resolve the dilemmas of child poverty

To encourage active, student-directed learning through student research, experiential involvements (with agencies serving children), and cooperative learning opportunities