Theories of Human Development

By: Malcolm W. Watson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Malcolm W. Watson

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

In these 24 lectures, probe the field of "human development"; the science that studies how we learn and develop psychologically, from birth to the end of life. This very young science not only enables us to understand children and help them develop optimally, but also gives us profound insights into who we are as adults.

Professor Watson introduces you to the six theories that have had perhaps the greatest influence on this field. Each of them has had a pervasive impact on the way we think about and see ourselves. Among the theories you'll encounter are Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory (including such concepts as the Oedipus Complex and the five stages of psycho-sexual development), Erik Erikson's psycho-social theory (which gave rise to the term "identity crisis"), and Albert Bandura's social learning theory (influential in such areas as the effect of media violence on children).

You'll meet the people who formulated each theory, become familiar with their philosophical backgrounds and the historical contexts in which they worked, and study the specific processes of human development that each theory describes. Along the way, you'll evaluate the strength and weaknesses of each theory. How do these six theories complement or contradict one another? What do they tell us, as a whole, about human development?

These lectures aren't simply about learning, behavior, and relationships in youth, but at any age. Taken as a whole, they provide our best answers to the questions of human nature-how we learn, adapt, and become who we are at every stage in life.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses

Excellent introduction.

As a general introduction to Human Development these are well organized and superbly delivered lectures. Perhaps the field itself needs more research or elaboration on adult development. There is tremendous scope for another series for adults.

Exceptional; Entertaining; Comprehensive

What did you love best about Theories of Human Development?

As a student of Psychology with a long commute, I was looking for a good review of Developmental Psy. WOW!! I've taken Developmental Psychology in two different classroom formats (at the University level) but the material has never been presented so clearly, or so well.

The author also reads with enthusiasm (not over the top, but like a real human begin engaged in the topic rather than a robot reading a script which I find REALLY off-putting). I often find myself saying "I really like this guy" while I'm listening -- and would love to take a course from him in person! I just wish he had more courses listed here!

SUPERB -- suitable for students of Psychology and laypersons alike. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What about Professor Malcolm W. Watson’s performance did you like?

Stated previously

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

LOVED IT!

Best book about development on this platform

Best book about development on this platform.hands down. The speaker is entertaining and clear. Highly recommended.

Great CLEP review

Where does Theories of Human Development rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first audible book I've used and I used it as preparation for the Human Growth and Development CLEP exam. I thought that the speaker spoke very slowly so I had to increase the speed to 2x. Once that was done I would calmly listen to it in the car. I really enjoyed all the examples the author provided as they are very applicable to current psychology beliefs and practices. My one complaint/suggestion was that the ecological systems theory wasn't explained; macrosystems, exosystems, microsystem, mesosystem, chronosystem, etc. Additionally, I don't think this lecture series really stressed the importance of operant conditioning and the difference between that and classical conditioning. If it could be done, I'd ask for the same lecturer to just go into those aspects a bit more. I supplemented these lectures with CLEP practice questions (an 80 question practice exam), and the Developmental Psychology Outline from Kaplans GRE psychology book.

Explains the basics

Explains the basics concepts in six popular developmental theories. I work with kids and found them very informative and useful.

Worthwhile. Informative and interesting.

Since graduating university I have worked in education and child therapy. I was familiar with Piaget going into this lecture series but the professor provided addition information as well as context that has meaningfully shaped my “developing” perspective. These lectures series, in my opinion, are the best use of audible.

Basic theories but good explanations

Good explanations but at times it was too slow. Especially for someone not interested in younger kids.

Everyone interacting with kids should listen to this

This course was easy to follow, very informative and interesting. The professor knows the information very well and was easy to listen to. Very engaging.

I think all parents or soon-to-be parents should listen to this course. It gives insight into our development and gives context to theories on development.

I used this to help study for the CLEP Human Growth and Development exam. It made that part of the exam easy because it was easy to listen and learn from this professor. Although I bought this just to study from, I plan to keep the book for later when I become a parent or am around kids later on.

Really interesting, relevant and entertaining lectures

What did you love best about Theories of Human Development?

Professor Watson delivers the content in a logical and clear manner. These lectures are not dry like most textbooks on this topic. He not only covers the key research but also provides information about the people who conducted it (e.g. Erikson). This gives so much more meaning to the content.

Any additional comments?

Really interesting course. I hope that Professor Watson returns with more in the future.

Excellent Course

It really helped me to understand the various theories and how they work together to support or understanding of child development.