PSY 241 - Developmental Psychology



PSY 241 - Developmental Psychology

Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Course Information

Semester: Fall 2011   Section: HW1

Credit Hours: 3   Prerequisite: Successful completion of PSY 150

Course Description

This course is a study of human growth and development.  Emphasis is placed on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception to death.  Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of development across the life span.  This course has been approved for transfer under the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement as a general education course in Social/Behavioral Sciences for the A.A., A.F.A., and A.S. degrees.  This course also satisfies the general education course requirement in Social/Behavioral Sciences for the A.A.S. and A.G.E. degrees. (1997 SU)

FACULTY INFORMATION

Professor/Instructor:  Jackie Abell

Office Location:  Van Dusen 232

Office Hours:  10:00-11:00 MWF

                       12:00-12:30 TTH

                       & By Appointment

Telephone:  910.695.3912

Email:  abellj@sandhills.edu

MAJOR COURSE GOALS

Upon successful completion of PSY 241, the student will have done the following:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of basic concepts utilized in understanding developmental psychology. To include:

a. theoretical basis for developmental knowledge

b. scientific method in conducting research

c. genetic-environment correlations

2. Developed an understanding of development taking place throughout the lifespan. To include:

a. physical development

b. cognitive development

c. social development

d. emotional development

GENERAL EDUCATION

This course is designed to reinforce the following general education areas: reading, writing, basic use of computers, critical thinking, and cooperating with others. You will develop critical reading skills through your reading assignments. You will develop your writing and critical thinking skills through your writing assignments.

You will develop your communication and cooperation skills in group discussions. Through your participation in discussion forums, doing Internet research, taking online tests, and writing papers and sending file attachments, you will develop or maintain computer skills.

REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS / ACTIVITIES

Textbook: HDEV (2nd edition) by Spencer A. Rathus. Published: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009. ISBN #: 978-1-111-51992-6.

Notation: All PowerPoint study aids have been selected from the Instructor's Classroom Kit for Rathus’ HDEV (2009-2010 Ed.). Publisher: Wasworth Cengage Learning, 2011.

Required Software: To access your online course you will need access to the Internet. For courses using Moodle, we recommend using Mozilla Firefox, or Internet Explorer for PCs and Safari or Atomic for Macs. Although there are no absolute requirements, computers with faster Internet connections, faster processors, and more memory will get better results. Keep in mind that if you have difficulties connecting to the class or a slow connection, the problem could be occurring at many levels. For help, look at the "Participant Help" at the bottom of the Moodle Page.

Remember: When submitting written assignments, you will need to send them as rich text format (.rtf) files.

Grading Policies

The assignments in this course have been designed to enhance your educational experiences attached to this course. Scores will be posted in the gradebook in as timely a manner as possible. Your final grade will be based on the following areas of evaluation and their weighted scores. To receive credit for the course, you must complete each of the following:

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

|Item |Percent |

|Module Tests (drop lowest test grade excluding Final)    |35% |

|Final Exam |20% |

|Writing Assignment:  Research/Perspective Papers   |30% |

|Discussion Forums |10% |

|Attendance | 5% |

GRADING SCALE

|Letter Grade |Percent or Numerical Range |

|A |90-100 |

|B |80-89 |

|C |70-79 |

|D |60-69 |

|F |0-59 |

|DR |A student may receive a "DR" for dropping the course prior to October 26 . If you decide that this is the best option for you, |

| |complete the course change form prior to this date. |

|FW |Withdraw Failing |

|WP |Withdraw Passing |

|I |Incomplete |

Academic Integrity

In addition to good academic performance, students should exhibit honesty and integrity. If there is any question that academic honesty and integrity are not honored, students may be required to redo assignments in the presence of an instructor-selected monitor. Proof of dishonesty, including plagiarism, will make students subject to disciplinary action. Please see the "SCC Policy Statements" below for more information.

Plagiarism

Avoid plagiarism with all written assignments—including discussion forums. What is plagiarism? Each instructor may take a slightly different view on this policy. For me, plagiarism is two-fold:

1) You can not use material directly (e.g. cut-and-paste) from another source without using quotation marks and citing your source.

2) If you paraphrase (put information into your own words) data or ideas from another source, then you need to refer to your source here as well.

If an assignment is found to contain some plagiarized information, that person will be given an opportunity to rewrite the paper or receive a "0" for this assignment.

Access/Disability Policy

Please consult the "SCC Policy Statements" found at the end of this syllabus .

Attendance Policies

Please note that because of State regulations students who have NOT completed the Ice Breaker Activity--Orientation Verification Quiz--by August 22, 2011 will be dropped from the course.

The state auditor requires that the instructor be able to demonstrate that students are participating in the course on a regular basis. All assignments should be completed by the assigned due dates, including reading assignments, classroom discussions, film report, quizzes, and exams. Late work may not be accepted or may result in a grade penalty.

Adding and Dropping Courses: A student may add a course with permission of the advisor through the second day of the semester. After that point, permission of the advisor and the instructor is needed in order to add a course. A student may drop a course at any time during the first eight weeks (or halfway through a summer session) of the semester by completing an official drop form, obtaining the signatures of the advisor and the instructor, and filing the form with the registrar. Students who stop attending class without officially dropping the course may receive a failing grade in the course.

Withdrawal from a Course, Program, or the College: Emergency situations may arise after the no-penalty drop period whereby students must leave involuntarily. In this case, the student may withdraw from the course by completing a withdrawal form. The student must secure the instructor's signature on the withdrawal form. This form must be completed and filed with the registrar. Students who are passing at the time of withdrawal may receive a grade of WP. Students who are failing at the time of withdrawal may receive a grade of FW. Students who stop attending class without officially withdrawing from the course may receive a failing grade in the course.

Instructor-Initiated Drop or Withdrawal: Classroom or hybrid sections: An instructor may drop or withdraw a student from a course if the student stops attending class or fails to complete two consecutive assignments. Online sections: An instructor may drop or withdraw a student from a course if the student fails to submit an assignment within a 10-day period (summer session) or a two-week period (fall/spring semesters).

Course Requirements

Module Tests

There will be five module tests. Each test covers material from either two to five chapters.

Module tests can be accessed through Moodle at sandhills.edu , and are available until 11:59 p.m. on the scheduled test day.  All tests for this class are open-book. By open-book, the intent is that you may work on the test periodically, saving it as you progress. However, you will need to submit the test by 11:59 p.m. according to the deadlines indicated on your class calendar.

Additionally, each student’s lowest test grade will be dropped (excluding the last Module Test #5/Final Exam). Every student is required to take the final exam, and this grade WILL NOT be dropped. Since each test is offered online for 24+ hours and the lowest test grade will be dropped, there will be no make-ups for tests.

        Writing Assignment:  Research/Perspective Papers

You will be required to submit a research or perspective paper with each module.  For each writing assignment, you will be given 4-7 topics from which to choose.  Each paper will need to include the following items:

Acceptable Length

4-6 pages

Formatting Requirements:

• Put your name, course and section number, and assignment title on the cover page

• Use one-inch margins

• Use a 12-point Times New Roman font

• Use double line spacing in the document

To earn a top score, your paper should:

• Address the topic

• Use scholarly information from your textbook at least 2 other sources

• Adhere to proper English grammar and spelling

• Use APA style for citations and references

Discussion Forums

Regular participation in the Discussion Forums, as well as timely submission of required assignments, is required.

One of the potential disadvantages of a hybrid course is that you do not have much time to engage in "face-to-face" discussion with class members and the instructor. In order to address the need for discussion with class members and the instructor, this course provides an opportunity for students and the instructor to discuss a variety of psychology-related topics through participation in the Discussion Forums. These assignments will be related to the reading assignments for that particular week. The discussion forums have three goals:

1. To help you keep up with the assignments on a regular basis.

2. To increase your understanding and appreciation of psychology—especially as it pertains to you and the world around us.

3. To help you develop and communicate opinions with your peers.

Assessments & Surveys

Some chapters may encourage you to complete self-assessments, surveys or homework to be incorporated into our Moodle discussions. Refer to your schedule of assignments to learn more.

Discussion Forum Grade

Participation in each Discussion Forum will count up to a maximum of 20 points per chapter.

Missed Discussion Forum

All discussion forums must be submitted by the deadline indicated in your class calendar.

What is your role in the Discussion Forum

To receive full credit, you need to

• Post your answer to at least one of the questions or starters posted in the Discussion Forum by the instructor.

• Provide feedback to at least one other student's discussion.

• Good responses to your classmates are ones that are thoughtful or thought-provoking.  Responses like “I agree” or “Way to go” will not earn points. Expand on this idea: “I agree with your observation that the idea of multiple intelligences lends itself to both professional and personal activities such as….”  The more discussion that goes on, the more exciting it will become and hopefully, more learning will take place.  We can learn so much from different viewpoints.

• Another important element to our discussion forums is RESPECT.  Some of the topics that have been posted can be very personal for us, so please keep this in mind as you respond to someone’s thoughts or feelings.  The downside to using the computer in this way is that we don’t see a face on the other side of the conversation.  If I observe a dialogue that appears inappropriate, then I will email the participants and ask them to redirect the conversation. If I need to send a second request, then the dialogue will be pulled from the discussion forum and the student(s) involved will receive a “0” for this assignment. CURSING is another element that will not be permitted in our discussion forums. It reflects a lack of respect for your peers as well as for the instructor. Anyone who uses cursing in the discussion forum will receive a grade of “0” for that assignment and the posting will be removed immediately.

• Lastly, I suggest that you get up and running early. Waiting until the last minute is a mistake. The server is not always up at the exact moment you want to do your assignment.

SCC Policy Statements

This page is a summary for students of various policies and services listed in the Sandhills Community College General Catalog. Updated December 12, 2010

• Academic Honesty. The college believes that the pursuit of knowledge requires honesty. Students are expected to act appropriately and deal honestly in all aspects of their interactions with the college and their academic work. The college will not tolerate dishonest acts such as copying the work of another; using unauthorized help, books, or notes on examinations or projects; or intentionally representing the work of another as one's own without proper reference (plagiarism). The consequences of academic dishonesty may vary according to circumstances. Actions that could be taken include, but are not limited to, the following: a failing grade for the work involved, failure in the course, or removal from the course. For additional information, please read "Academic Honesty" in the General Catalog.

• Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. The college strives to provide an equal educational opportunity to all. In compliance with college policy and equal access laws, professors are available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for a student with disabilities. Students requesting accommodations must contact the college disabilities coordinator in Student Services.

• Annual Security Report. To comply with federal laws the college provides information about serious crimes that have occurred on campus during the last three years. Copies of the Campus Crime Statistics Report and Annual Security Report may be obtained by contacting the main campus switchboard (910-692-6185) or the director of the Hoke Center (910-875-8589). The information can also be found on the college's Security & Emergencies website.

• Attendance. Because the College realizes that academic success is tied to regular attendance, students are expected to attend all class sessions, laboratories, and clinical experiences. Each course syllabus will describe the attendance policy for the course, including any permitted absences. Please consult the "Academic Polices and Procedures" section of the General Catalog.

• Classroom Conduct. Faculty and students at Sandhills Community College — on the main campus or off-campus locations, including online — have the right to an instructional environment that is conducive to study, thought, and full concentration on study topics. Student behavior that threatens such an environment and disrupts learning and teaching activities — including unauthorized use of technology (e.g., cell phones, computers, hand-held devices) — will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary actions, including removal from a course or program or denial of admission to a course or a program. For additional information, please read "Student Conduct" in the General Catalog.

• Computer Use. The college expects and requires ethical and responsible behavior of individuals using information resources, which include computers and the college network and Internet capabilities. Individuals using these resources must abide by the college's Acceptable Use Policy, which requires respecting intellectual property rights, protecting private information, refraining from accessing inappropriate or offensive information, and ensuring open access to available resources.

• Student Grievance Procedure. The college assures Sandhills students that their grievances will be considered fairly, rapidly, and in a non-threatening atmosphere. Any student who feels unfairly treated may follow the "Student Grievance Procedure, described in detail in the General Catalog Catalog.

• Support for Student Learning and Progress. Academic advising is available to all students in the Advising Center, which will assist in developing an educational plan consistent with life goals and objectives. Academic tutoring is available to all students on an individual or small group basis. Students are encouraged to apply early in the semester for free tutoring service. Boyd Library has a wealth of print and online resources. The Learning Resource Center in Boyd Library provides computer access as well as staff assistance with online research. Counselors are available to assist students in coping with any concerns or difficulties they may experience while attending college. Career counseling and job placement services are also readily available.

Department Chair approval: ______________

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