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Life Sciences & Psychology

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

When:

14 July - 18 July 2025

School:

Maastricht Summer School

Institution:

Maastricht University

City:

Maastricht

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Credits:

2 EC

Fee:

599 EUR

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

About

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.

Course leader

Mia Noelle Koch

Target group

This course is aimed towards undergraduate or graduate students with basic psychology knowledge.

Course aim

• Students will compare and contrast major theories of child development, including those proposed by Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Bowlby;
• Students will evaluate various research methodologies used in the study of infant and child development, including observational studies, longitudinal research, and experimental designs;
• Students will analyse the impact of family, culture, and socioeconomic factors on child development, understanding the role of nature and nurture;
• Students will explore the development of attachment relationships and their influence on later social and emotional development;
• Students will appreciate the diversity of developmental pathways and understand how individual differences, including those related to culture, gender, and ability, influence development.

Fee info

Fee

599 EUR, Tuition Fee

Interested?

When:

14 July - 18 July 2025

School:

Maastricht Summer School

Institution:

Maastricht University

Language:

English

Credits:

2 EC

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