T-006 Adult Development
Robert Kegan
This course explores adulthood--the latter two-thirds to three-quarters of our lives!--not as a single, last phase of human development but as itself an evolutionary expanse involving importantly different eras and transformations. Via lecture, film, large- and small-group activities, and conceptual and literary readings, the course is a context for considering a variety of theoretical and practical questions, including the following: What are the implications of various theories of adulthood for how we define "development," "maturity," and "wisdom"? Are there common features of the adult trajectory that apply across the diversities of gender, class, ethnicity? What are adults' actual developmental capacities, and how do they square with the mental demands of modern life? What is the meaning of adult developmental theories for those who would be helpful to adults in contexts of work, schooling, staff development, conflict resolution, and counseling? Can we, and should we, intentionally seek to foster development in adulthood? Evaluation will be based on brief written exercises during the semester and a concentrated end-of-term paper. The course is open to all.
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