This course is a life-span developmental approach to adulthood in contemporary American society that includes the major theoretical perspectives regarding developmental transitions and age-related tasks. The following topics are included: 1) methodological issues related to the study of development, 2) patterns of stability and change across adulthood with regard to processes such as biological functioning, sensation and perception, cognition, personality, identity, gender and social roles, relationships, career, and mental health, and 3) death and dying as the final stage of life. Students can consider their own development in light of this content.