From Cradle to Cortex: How Experiences in Infancy Shape the Brain

This course will address two major questions. The first question: How do early experiences during infancy affect a developing brain? The second question: How, in turn, do the structures of the brain influence child behaviour? Throughout this class students will compare how childrearing practices have changed from hunter-gatherer societies to modern day. Are parenting practices better in this century? Lectures and coursework will focus on sensitive periods, neural plasticity, and adverse childhood experiences among other topics. Students will discuss how knowledge of child development influences how societies make decisions about children. Content: Lecture, open discussion, review research, and news articles each day.