Fall 2006

PSY 333F • Fantasy and Reality-W

Course Description

Children are often viewed as living in a world of fiction and fantasy. Traditional views of child development hold that young children are confused about the nature of reality, often confusing it with appearances, fantasy, and mentality. In this class we will address the development of children's (and sometimes adults') ability to differentiate reality from fantasy, as well as the nature of children's knowledge and beliefs about a variety of related domains, including mental and pictorial representations, magic, and religion.

Grading Policy

1. Four 5-page reaction papers (each one worth 15%; 60% total) 2. Two exams (midterm and final, 15% each; 30% total) 3. Attendance and class participation (10%)

Texts

Gussen Paley, V. (1981). Wally's Stories: Conversations in the Kindergarten. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, MA.

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