Project: Applying Developmental Concepts to Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Many researchers believe that narratives are powerful teaching tools. Boyatzis (1992) recommends using Maya Angelou’s (1969) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which depicts Angelou’s life from preschool to adolescence.
This is an all-term project. Think of it as a way to sum up and apply several of the main concepts you learn in this course.
Discuss how Angelou's childhood experiences exemplify two or three aspects or topics of development. Use course materials (text, handouts, videos and class notes) to build a framework of theory and research to analyze Angelou's development. Choose concepts you find intriguing and that you can apply to your current or future work or parenting.
In other words, use the course to explain Angelou's development. Make connections from the general developmental theories and stages to particular situations that Angelou experienced. Cite course materials within your paper and use quotes from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Applying Developmental Concepts to Angelou’s I Know Why the CagedBird Sings
Introduction: The first half of Angelou’s book addresses the following topics in her early and middle childhood:
- Erikson’s industry versus inferior stage of social-emotional development
- Self-concept and self-esteem
- Abuse
- Parenting styles and family socialization practices
- Gender differences
- Interpersonal peer relationships
- Cognitive development (Piaget’s concrete operational thought)
- Environmental influences on development
The second half of her book addresses the following topics in her early and late adolescence:
- Puberty
- Identity formation
- Family issues
- Peer groups
- Cognitive development (Piaget’s formal operational thought)
- Sexual identity formation
- Vocational interests
Major themes throughout the book include:
- Cultural and ethnic influences on development
- Resiliency
- Poverty
We will explore these themes through a Flipgrid Discussion board every week.
Your final project can be an essay, video, or another format.