ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE: PSYCH 759-01
TIME: MON 6:30-9:20 PM
LOCATION: WHITESITT 103
SEMESTER: FALL 2009
E-MAIL: cspera@pittstate.edu
INSTRUCTOR: Chris Spera, Ph.D.
OFFICE: WHITESITT 207F
OFFICE PHONE: (620) 235-4501
OFFICE HOURS: MWF 10-11, TUES 1:30-2:30,
WED & THURS 1:30-4:30
Texts: Davies, D. (2004). Child development: A practitioner’s guide (2nd edition). New York: Guilford.
Freiberg, K.L (2009). Annual editions: Human development. 2009/2010 (37th edition). Dubuque,
IA: McGraw-Hill/Dushkin.
Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2009). Lifespan development (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice
Hall.
General Objectives: To describe the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial processes involved in human
development. In addition, you will learn about the major developmental milestones and problems often
faced by people across the lifespan. We will discuss the various ways to identify/implement appropriate
interventions/treatments. Finally, this course will provide a review of the theories of human development
and integrate them with practical experiences.
Specific Objectives
1. Understanding of the major theories of human development.
2. Understanding of the situational/environmental factors that affect normal/abnormal behavior.
3. Understanding of the effects of crises/trauma upon development.
4. Understanding of the implications of exceptional abilities.
5. Understanding of the strategies for different interventions/treatments.
Course Format: Class meetings will consist of lectures, discussions, and films/videos. While the lectures will
be organized around the materials in the text, new information will also be presented.
Tests: Three tests will be given. They will consist of short answer and essay questions. Make-ups will be
administered only for reasons of physical illness, personal/family emergency, or participation in a scheduled
University activity.
Paper: You will be required to write one paper. It can address any biological, cognitive, and/or social aspect
of development. It should be 5-10 pages and include at least 3 scientific references. Further details will be
provided during class.
Critiques: You will read/critique 5 articles from the Freiberg text. You will provide a brief summary of each
article and your thoughts/reactions to it (1 page).
Grading: Your grade is determined by the number of points that you accumulate. 400 points are possible.
POINT DISTRIBUTIONS
3 Tests
300 pts. possible
1 Paper
50 pts. possible
5 Article Critiques
50 pts. possible
GRADING SCALE
> 360 pts.
A
320-359 pts.
B
280-319 pts.
C
240-279 pts.
D
< 239 pts.
F
Academic Integrity: Any student caught plagiarizing and/or cheating on an exam will receive a “zero” for that
assignment. Repeated dishonesty will result in failure of the course and/or academic suspension.
Special Concerns: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements
in order to meet course requirements should contact me as soon as possible to make necessary
accommodations.
Final Note: This syllabus and the information in it are subject to change! 
Course Schedule
Week
Topics
August 24
Syllabus & Introduction
August 31
Attachment
September 7
No Class (Labor Day)
September 14
Brain Development
September 21
Risk & Protective Factors
Analysis of Risk/Protective Factors
September 28
Infants
Test #1
October 5
Practice with Infants
October 12
Toddlers
October 19
Practice with Toddlers
October 26
Preschoolers
November 2
Practice with Preschoolers
Test #2
November 9
School-Age Children
November 16
Practice with School-Age Children
November 23
Adolescents
Practice with Adolescents
November 30
Adults
December 7
Practice with Adults
December 14
Test #3