Topics in Moral Development and Education

Students examine a number of important questions from the perspective of developmental psychology: What are moral values? How do individuals develop morally and ethically? Is there a connection between moral reasoning and moral behavior? What educational efforts foster character and moral development? Several major perspectives on the development of moral values will be explored, including cognitive development theories (Erikson, Piaget, Gilligan, Kohlberg, among others) and analysis of clinical and observation research studies (e.g., Robert Coles, William Damon). In addition, the interaction of moral values and behavior will be examined through the use of film and literature. Throughout, we examine applications of moral development and behavior to the classroom.

Fall, Spring

022689