This course is designed to provide students with an overview and understanding of the study of human development based on relevant theoretical approaches used in this area. In this course, students will explore a range of topics including: the study of human development; cross cultural theory and research; culture and socialization; physical and biological development in fancy and beyond; social emotional development in early development and across the lifespan; cognitive development; language development; personality development; gender development; sexual identity development; racial identity and socialization; culture and mental health; development in family contexts; and development and the future. This course also will engage students in an exploration of global-local contexts in relation to cross-cultural research and theoretical understandings of human development. Within these contexts, the course will provide an emphasis on multicultural conceptual approaches in the study of human development including but not limited to race, gender, social class, and sexuality.