Cognitive Development: Trust and Imagination
EDU H180
Subject & Catalog Number
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Course Information
Description
The purpose of this course is to critically examine two somewhat conflicting views about early cognitive development, namely that young children: (i) are little scientists who construct their own ideas about the world based on their own first-hand observation and exploration; and (ii) have a rich fantasy life as shown by their capacity for make-believe play and their delight in magic and fairy tales. We will examine two alternative proposals namely that young children: (i) are credulous pupils who are receptive to ideas about reality supplied by other people; (ii) have an imagination inspired by everyday reality rather than fantastical possibilities.
School
Graduate School of Education
Credits
2
Cross Reg
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
Subject
Education
Grading Basis
HGSE Student Option (Letter Graded, Sat/Unsat)
Learning Goals
The purpose of this course is to critically examine two widespread assumptions regarding early cognitive development, namely that young children learn best via 'hands on' experience and that young children are more richly imaginative than older children. An important goal of the course is to allow you to assess for yourself the extent to which contemporary accounts of cognitive development, and particularly these assumptions need modification.
Career Focus
early childhood educators and researchers
Competency
write a research/analytic paper
Pedagogy
small-group discussion
