DEP 2000 – FALL 2010-1
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Miami Dade College – North Campus
PROFESSOR: Carola S. Pedreschi
B.A. Psychology, M.S. School Psychology
OFFICE HOURS:TBA
OFFICE ROOM: Social Sciences Dept. # 2256-22
TEL.: Office: (305) 237-1817; (305) 237-1164
Fax: (305) 237-1833
Email: cpedresc@mdc.edu
http://faculty.mdc.edu/cpedresc
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK and CODE: Invitation to the Life Span
Kathleen Stassen Burger Worth Publishers ISBN 13: 978-0-7167-5466-4
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND COMPETENCIES
Human growth and development chronicles the course of human life from
fertilization through death. The prenatal period, infancy, early childhood, late
childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle adulthood, and old age are
examined in terms of their unique characteristics, influences, and predictable
changes.
Examination of the common processes, developmental tasks, and
transitions is accomplished, drawing from research and theory in psychology,
sociology, anthropology and biology.
I.
YOU WILL EXAMINE HUMAN LIFE FROM CONCEPTION THROUGH
DEATH.
To achieve this, you must:
* Identify unique characteristics of each stage in the life cycle * Determine the
major biological and social influences at each stage of development * Analyze the
sequence of growth and the predictable changes that occur at each stage *
Describe the transitional tasks to be accomplished at each stage.
II.
YOU WILL EXPLORE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES FOR THEIR
VALUE IN EXPLAINING AND PREDICTING GROWTH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
To achieve this, you must:
* Identify major theories and theorists * Analyze the relationship between theory
and research methods * Clarify personal values as they relate to theoretical
assumptions on the nature of growth and development * Apply research
information in practical situations.
III.
YOU WILL EXAMINE INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPLANATIONS OF
DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS AND TRANSITIONS TROUGH THE LIFE
SPAN.
To achieve this, you must:
* Identify the disciplines that seek to clarify human development* Analyze the
usefulness of biology, psychology, sociology, and anthropology for interpreting
development* Evaluate efficacy of research presented from discipline areas.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Tests: Student learning will be measured through on-line formal graded testing
and informal non-graded assessment to address students’ various levels of
competency, learning styles and other types of diversity. There will be four on-line
tests, which will be automatically graded and students will be able to see the
outcome of their performance. Test dates will be announced in advance.
Service Learning Project: Students will be required to serve ten hours at a
professor approved community non-profit organization. They will also be required
to produce a PowerPoint presentation and share it in class. The grade for this
component of the final grade will include the hours of service, the actual PowerPoint
work, and an oral presentation.
The average of these five grades will be the final grade.
Students may be informed of their progress at any time during the semester, via
email, telephone, fax, making an appointment or seeing your professor during
office hours. Grades are constantly updated in the on-line system. You may also
average your test grades on your own as you earn them.
Grades are never rounded, including the final grade.
Students will not be allowed to make-up-missed tests.
All missed tests will receive a grade of zero.
The final grade will be based on the average of five test grades and a
Service Learning Project grade. The SL project grade will equal a test grade.
Test grades and the final grade will not be rounded-off.
Letter Grade Assignment
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 59-
*Please refer to MDC Student Handbook for questions regarding student rights and
responsibilities*
Important Dates:
Friday, August 27 – Last day to change courses without penalty
Thursday, November 2 – Last day to withdraw with a grade of W
Saturday, August 28 – Purge process begins
September 3 – Purge process deadline for no shows
Friday, November 12 – Purge process ends
STUDY AIDS
Family units will be created at the beginning of the semester to serve as the
foundation of a support network for students. Student retention and success is
related to a sense of connection, belongingness and mutual student support, all
fostered by these student clusters.
Member/Contact:_____________________________________________________
Member/Contact: ____________________________________________________
Member/Contact: ____________________________________________________
Textbook:
It is imperative that students use the assigned textbook during the entire semester.
The textbook is a course requirement. Two copies are available at the Reference
desk in the library. It is recommended to follow lecture using the textbook
and marking the areas of focus with a highlighter. Please do not take notes
during class.
Textbook Code:
It is a requirement that you learn beyond the classroom and take all tests on-line
by using the code to access the publishing company’s electronic resources.
Audio-visual Aids and Angel Technology:
Students will also view videos and films on human growth and development during
class and engage in activities of application of content. Use on-line technology and
MDC librarians’ assistance from our North Campus Library to locate additional
supportive information. The Angel system will be used to communicate with
students and it is a requirement to check this portal on a daily basis.
TEST SCHEDULE
TEST
1
2
3
4
Notes:
CHAPTERS
Ch1. The Science of Development
Ch. 2 Genes and Prenatal Development
Ch.3 The first two Years: Body and
Brain
Ch. 4 The First Two Years: Psychosocial
Development
Ch.5 Early Childhood: Body and Mind
Ch.6 Early Childhood: Psychosocial
Development
Ch. 7 Middle Childhood: Body and Mind
Ch. 8 Middle Childhood:
Psychosocial Development
Ch. 9 Adolescence: Body and Mind
Ch. 10 Adolescence: Psychosocial
Development
Ch. 11 Emerging Adulthood: Body,
Mind, and Social World
Ch.12 Adulthood: Body and Mind
Ch. 13 Adulthood: Psychosocial
Development
Ch. 14 late Adulthood: Body and Mind
Ch. 15 Late Adulthood: Psychosocial
Development
Epilogue: Death and Dying
TEST DATES
STUDENT SUCCESS AND RETENTION
* Read chapters ahead of time, as you will be asked about chapter content in class
without notice.
* Read the outline of the chapter and its summary before reading the chapter. Take
notes as you read the chapter. Use a note card to cover lines and paragraphs that
you aren’t reading and slide the card down as you read. This will help you stay
focused, experience less distraction, and engage your body.
* Test yourself before taking the actual test by using the list of key terms or words
in bold and use the online resources that appear on the publishing company’s
website.
ATTENDANCE AND CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR POLICIES
Students must attend all classes and must be in class for effective learning to
occur. This also shows respect for yourself, your classmates, and your professor.
Remain seated during the duration of the entire class period.
Telephone calls will not be allowed in or outside class. Let the professor know
if you have an emergency at the beginning of class, so that she may consider
alternatives in case of an emergency.
Please turn-off all technological devices. Your professor reserves the
right to place the student’s cellular telephone on her desk until the end of class if
she sees one outside bags or book bags.
Talking in class without permission is unacceptable behavior and will not be
tolerated. Students will be warned once and on the second time, the student will be
moved to another seat. Discipline procedures will be followed according to the
Handbook for Student Rights and Responsibilities (p.22).
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN CLASS AFTER THE SCHEDULED START TIME
AND THE PROFESSOR HAS FINISHED CALLING CLASS ROLL. IF STUDENT ARRIVES
AFTER THIS TIME, IT WILL THEN BE CONSIDERED AN ABSENCE.
It will also be considered an absence if the student leaves class before class
is over. There are no excused or unexcused absences. Your professor doesn’t
require explanations for absences out of respect for your personal lives. Keep
records of absences to increase awareness and improve attendance. The
student will be dropped for non attendance after four consecutively missed
classes.
FIVE POINTS WILL BE SUBTRACTED OFF THE FINAL GRADE IF THE STUDENT HAS
FOUR OR MORE NON-CONSECUTIVE ABSENCES. A STUDENT WILL BE DROPPED
FROM THE COURSE IF HAS MISSED FOUR CONSECUTIVE CLASSES.
It is now mandatory to keep accurate records of student attendance
in order to receive federal funding. Individual student attendance
may affect financial aid funding.
HONESTY AND REGISTRATION POLICIES
Students are responsible for initiating and completing the process of officially
adding or dropping a course. The highest academic standards are required of all
MDC students. Any form of academic dishonesty during an examination or act of
plagiarism when producing an assignment will be investigated and proper
documentation and evidence will be asked of the student or students involved. The
professor will follow the Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities on
Academic Dishonesty (pp. 19-21) if issues arise.
The professor reserves the right to make any changes to the course syllabus during
the semester as necessary for successful teaching.
Miami Dade College
As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social
responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in
society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans
on the environment.
*Please note that not all of the above General Education Learning Outcomes will
be covered in this course* 8/21/2010