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Lifespan Psychology
PSYC&200
Distance Learning
(Print this out)
Dr. Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Phone: (206) 526-7011
Office hours are by appointment
Office: Rm. IB2327A
E-mail = Please send email for this class through ANGEL (Class website)
Instructor’s campus email: robert.atkins@seattlecolleges.edu
(subject = your student + the class and time you are in)
Class website: http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Login material (Write your items in the space below)
User name: _______________________
Your entire student id number
Password: ______________________
Your entire student id number
My Grades:
Exam #1 _____, Exam #2 _____, Exam #3 _____, Exam #4 _____,
Comprehensive exam= _____ Total = _______
Course summary:
The daily activities will involve reading the chapters in the text, focusing on
material covered in the Power Points and the course diagrams.
Your class grade is based on the four non-cumulative midterms (50 points each), one
comprehensive exam (100 points).
You may go through the material and take the exams at your own pace. All the
exams and related materials are available from the day they are posted to the end of the
quarter. You may take them whenever you feel you are ready. When you have completed
all the exams, you have completed the course. All exams become closed on the last day
of the quarter as indicated on the Course Calendar in this syllabus. I suggest completing
all exams prior to the last day of the quarter in case your internet or computer crashes.
The exams will not be extended. If you have not completed an exam by the last day, you
will receive a zero for that exam. Remember, you have from the day they are posted to
the end of the quarter to complete the exams. The Course Calendar in the back of this
syllabus gives you a suggested schedule for the quarter.
Financial Aid:
If you need confirmation of attendance for financial aid, do this:
Email me at robert.atkins@seattlecolleges.edu (not the Angel website) and list: (1) Your name, (2) - Student ID number, (3) - course name and number (E.g. PSYC&200),
(4) - the item number (e.g. 9800) – use the correct number for your section. Finally, state
that you are attending the course, and ask me to forward the email to Financial Aid.
Thank you
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How to get started: For student Information, help desk, technical information, and other
helpful items, go to:
http://virtualcollege.org/
How to log into your course materials: Go to:
http://northseattle.angellearning.com
Click “Log On”
Put in your User name and Password. (Your entire student ID number for both)
Click on the name of the course E.g. PSYC&200 Lifespan
Materials for the course:
Required Text:
The Developing Person Through the Life Span (8th. Ed.) by Berger – Worth
Publishers – ISBN # 1-4292-3203-X
To purchase the text from the NSCC Bookstore, go to:
NSCC Home Page https://northseattle.edu/
> Services > Bookstore > Textbooks > Step one “Find your course” >
Add course > Step two “Review your courses” > View textbook list >
Hardware and software:
Computer: PC or Mac
Internet connection:
Preferably DSL or cable, not a dial-up (however, dial-up can work, it is just slow).
Software:
Internet browser: Firefox (PC or Mac) or Internet explorer (PC) is recommended
(not Google Chrome)
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Power Point Viewer
You need the ability to use the above software. Your instructor is not “Tech. Support”.
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Online materials: Available on class website (Specifically targeted to the exams)
1. Power Points
2. Chapter Diagrams
Outcomes
This course will give you the knowledge to:
* Understand the nature of the individual, of human values and of the relationship
between the self and the community.
* Focus on an individual’s development throughout the lifespan.
Instructor’s background
Since this is a lifespan Psychology course, it is useful to know that your instructor,
along with his wife of over 40 years, has raised two children, now ages 30 and 33.
Your instructor has an AA degree from Fullerton J.C., B.A. and Masters degrees
from California State University at Fullerton, and a doctorate (Ph.D. degree) from the
University of Washington. He is a full time tenured instructor at North Seattle
Community College, and has taught at NSCC for over 40 years. Prior to teaching at
NSCC, he taught at Jamestown College (a four year college) and at St. Phillips
Community College.
He has also had experience in the following areas: a public mental health clinic in
Seattle, the Educational Psychology Clinic at the University of Washington, The Adult
Development Program within the Dept of Psychiatry, in the School of Medicine at the
University of Washington, and the Sexual Dysfunction Clinic – Dept. of Psychiatry –
School of Medicine – University of Washington.
He has also visited and talked to inmates in the following institutions: Monroe
Penitentiary, Shelton Penitentiary, Purdy Women’s Correctional Center, Echo Glen
reformatory and Mc.Neil Island Penitentiary.
Other travel experiences include trips to: Europe, Japan, China, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska,
the Caribbean, Egypt, Greece, and India.
Teaching Philosophy
In general, the objective of my instruction is to help you understand the terms and
concepts presented in the course.
These ideas are often presented in power point slides along with chapter diagrams
to help you organize the concepts.
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Grading:
Grading consists of the four midterms, and one comprehensive exam.
Exams:
There are four exams (50 points each) and one comprehensive exam (100 points).
The four mid-term exams are not cumulative and cover only the chapters for that exam.
The exams are all multiple choice, and will test your knowledge of concepts, terms, and
findings. You will also be asked to apply some of the fundamental concepts to new
situations.
You may go through the material and take the exams at your own pace. All the
exams and related materials are available from the day they are posted to the end of the
quarter. You may take them whenever you feel you are ready. When you have completed
all the exams, you have completed the course. All exams are closed on the last day of the
quarter as indicated on the Course Calendar in this syllabus. I suggest completing all
exams prior to the last day of the quarter in case your internet or computer crashes. This
gives you some time to solve any problems. The exams will not be extended. If you have
not completed an exam by the last day, you will receive a zero for that exam. Remember,
you have from the time they are posted to complete the exams.
Other exam concerns:
1. Remember, you can only take each exam once, so be sure you are prepared for it.
There are no make up exams, retake exams, or extra credit.
2. Once you start an exam you must complete the 50 questions in 50 minutes. You
cannot pause an exam to look up the answer and come back to it later.
3. The exam labeled, “Practice Exam (Not graded)” is the only practice exam. All others
are real exams.
4. To reduce cheating and copying the exams, you can only see one question at a time.
You cannot go back to previous questions, and you must come into my office to see any
questions you missed.
5. You may use any notes, study guides, text, or other materials provided in the class
during the exams. You may not use any other source of help.
My hope is that having the exams and study materials available throughout the quarter
will let you progress at your individual pace and make it more convenient for family and
work schedules, thereby making the class more enjoyable for you.
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How to do well on the exams:
The exams come from the text and additional items (Power Points and diagrams)
to help you understand the material. Use the Course Calendar at the end of this syllabus
to keep yourself on track so you will have covered the material and understand it before
the suggested exam date.
Before the exam, review the Power Points and chapter diagrams, then revisit these
items in your text.
Taking the exams:
When taking the exams you may use the Power Points, chapter diagrams, your
text, and a dictionary. You may not have anyone else helping you in any way. When
taking the exams, you must answer one question before going on. You may not go back.
Also, If you skip a question you may not go back to answer it. Be sure to answer each
question.
How to take an exam:
NOTE *** Turn off the pop-up blocker in your web browser
To turn off the pop-up blocker. With Firefox, go to tools > Options >Content, and
uncheck the "Block pop up window". With Explorer, go to Tools > Pop-up blocker >
Turn off pop-up blocker.
1. Log in and go to your course home page.
2. Click on “Exams” > then Exam number > then “Begin Now” > then “Continue” (Note
the time remaining in your upper right corner)
3. Answer the first question >then click “Next” (Answer all questions) >
4. Finally, when all questions are answered, click “Submit” then “OK”.
Note: Your time remaining is shown in the upper right hand corner. At the end of that
time, the exam will automatically stop and will not be reset. Therefore, please watch your
time remaining.
********************************************************************
YOU MUST CLICK “SUBMIT” FOR ALL EXAMS BEFORE 11:00 pm PACIFIC
TIME ON THE LAST DAY OF THE CLASS AS INDICATED IN THE COURSE
CALENDAR. AT 11:00 pm THE EXAMS TURNS OFF AND YOU WILL NOT
RECEIVE CREDIT FOR TAKING ANY REMAINING EXAMS. I SUGGEST YOU
END ALL YOUR EXAMS PRIOR TO THE LAST DAY OF THE QUARTER JUST TO
BE SURE, IN CASE THE CLOCKS ARE DIFFERENT, OR YOU HAVE ANY
PROBLEMS.
The Course Calendar gives you a suggested schedule.
*********************************************************************
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Trial Exam:
There is currently a trial (ungraded) exam under the “Exams” tab to familiarize
you with the test taking system. You may take this exam unlimited times. The real
exams can only be taken once. You are not expected to know the answers to these
questions, and it is not graded. This is just a trial run to be sure you know how to take an
exam.
Exam Scoring:
The score you receive will be the grade indicated by the computer. I feel this is
the fairest for the largest number of students. While I am glad to discuss the exam with
you, it will not change your score. Any changes in question wording, etc. will be
considered for next quarter, but will not be used to change scores this quarter.
Discussions:
Throughout the quarter, you may talk with other students by sending comments,
and obtaining replies. This is the distance learning equivalent of talking in class.
However, as in class, there is no additional credit for comments and discussions,
however, it makes the class more interesting.
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How To:
How to post your comments for a discussion:
1. From the class homepage, click on “Discussion Forums > Class Discussion”.
2. Click on “New Post”
3. Put in the title and type your posting
4. Click “Save”
How to reply to a post:
Click on “reply” at the bottom of the posting, and type your reply message.
How to send email to your instructor:
1. Go to the class home page and “Course Mail”.
2. Click on “Quick Message”
3. Click “To”, place a check mark next to “All Course Faculty”, click “To”, then “OK”
4. Type in your subject, type your email, and click “Send”.
How to check your internet browser if you are having problems
1. Go to the class website and log in.
2. Often, simply turning off “pop-up blockers” on your web browser will solve problems.
3. Another way to check your browser is to try all the class activities, such as the Power
Points, and chapter diagrams. If these all work, you are ok.
How to see your grades:
Your exam grade will be available when the time for taking the exam is over.
Your grade will show up in the box on the right side of the page when you go to that
exam. Due to the digital ability to copy all the questions and archive them, or email them
to friends and relatives, you will not be able to see individual questions. If you wish to
come to my office, you may see, but not copy, individual questions at that time.
How to see your final course grade:
You may check your grades via the internet at: NSCC home page > Online
Services > Look Up Your Grades. Put in your Student ID and Student PIN, then click on
“Get My Transcript”.
How to do a class evaluation:
You will receive an email from the Seattle Community College District near the
end of the quarter. You may anonymously complete and return this evaluation to the
District. There are two forms; one is multiple choice, and the other is an essay
opportunity. I will only see the anonymous results after the grades have been handed in.
To be sure your email is current, you may go to: NSCC Home page > Online Services >
Maintenance > Update Your Address, Email, or Phone.
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How to withdraw from the course: You may withdraw from a course via the internet at:
NSCC home page > Online Services > Register/Add/Drop Classes, and follow the
directions.
Asking questions of your instructor:
Before emailing or calling me with a question, you need to read that section of
text, or syllabus. The first thing I will ask is, “What did the text or Syllabus say (on what
page) and what is it you do not understand. Quoting the section of the text or syllabus
you do not understand will help me provide you with a more helpful answer.
If you cannot give me a reference page in the text or syllabus that generated your
question, I will ask you to find and read the related pages. Most questions can be
resolved by doing this. If not, feel free to contact me with your question.
CLASS POLICIES
Extra credit: Extra-credit work is not available.
Incompletes: No “Incomplete” (I) grades will be given.
No Credit “NC” grades and Withdrawals: You must request an "NC" grade or
withdraw by the “last day to withdraw” indicated on the course calendar. If you
have not, you will receive a decimal grade for this course.
Cheating: Any cheating on exams will result in a score of zero (“0”) for that exam (which
can not be retaken). Copying an exam, sending an exam to another student, or keeping an
exam is considered cheating. Facilitating the cheating of another student is also
considered cheating, and both parties will receive a zero.
Posting Final Grades: You may check your grades via the internet at: NSCC home page >
Online Services > Look Up Your Grades.
Exams: You may use the text or any other materials you wish when taking an exam.
However, the exams have a time limit, and looking up information takes time.
Guidelines for Student Conduct: Students are expected to comply with student conduct
policy and procedures. Information on student responsibilities and rights is available at
the following website: www.seattlecolleges.com/services
Americans with Disabilities Act: If you need course adaptations or accommodation
because of a disability; you must contact Disability Services at phone 527-3697, or TTY:
526-0079 or on the web at http://access.northseattle.edu/services/ds.htm
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GRADING
Your final grade will be based on the total questions you answered correctly on all
four exams and the comprehensive exam.
TOTAL
POINTS
300-270
269-240
239-210
209-180
179-0
%
90
80
70
60
GRADE
"A"
"B"
"C"
"D"
"E"
4.0-3.5
3.4-2.5
2.4-1.5
1.4-0.
0.0
(See the "Grading Scale" page for a more detailed grade distribution)
Exam #1 = 50 pts.
Exam #2 = 50 pts.
Exam #3 = 50 pts.
Exam #4 = 50 pts.
Comprehensive exam = 100 pts.
Total = 300 points
(See the “Grading Scale” page for a more detailed grade distribution)
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Grading Scale
Total
Points
300 (100%)
299
298 4.0
297
296_____
295
294
293 3.9
292
291_____
290
289
288 3.8
287
286
285_____
284
283
282 3.7
281
280_____
279
278
277 3.6
276
275_____
274
273
272 3.5
271
270____(90%)
A
269
268 3.4
267_____
266
265 3.3
264_____
263
262 3.2
261_____
260
259 3.1
258_____
257
256 3.0
255_____
254
253 2.9
252_____
251
250 2.8
249_____
248
247 2.7
246_____
245
244 2.6
243_____
242
241 2.5
240____(80%)
B
239
238 2.4
237_____
236
235 2.3
234_____
233
232 2.2
231_____
230
229 2.1
228_____
227
226 2.0
225_____
224
223 1.9
222_____
221
220 1.8
219_____
218
217 1.7
216_____
215
214 1.6
213_____
212
211 1.5
210____(70%)
C
209
208 1.4
207_____
206
205 1.3
204
203_____
202
201 1.2
200
199_____
198
197 1.1
196
195_____
194
193 1.0
192
191_____
190
189 0.9
188
187_____
186
185 0.8
184
183_____
182
181 0.7
180____(60%)
179 0.0
D
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The grading scale is the same for everyone:
After all grades are in, students come to my office wanting me to make a new, easier,
grading scale just for them that does not apply to the rest of you.
These requests sound like this: “I only need one more point to get the next higher grade
… please.” “I am failing the class, so don’t give me the grade I earned, give me an NC
(or an Incomplete) instead.” “If you give me the grade I earned, I can not get into the
university.” “I need a 2.0, or I will be deported.” “I will lose my financial aid.” “I forgot
to take the test when it was scheduled with everyone else, so can I take it now (several
days later)?” “I tried (or I learned a lot) so you should give me a higher grade.” “I had
personal problems during the quarter, so you should increase my grade (or any deadlines
should not apply to me).” “I did not remember it was due then, so can I turn it in now?” I
can not grade based on any of these factors. You need to do the best you possibly can
from the first day of class, and feel confident the grade you receive at the end was the best
you are capable of.
If you need help with anything, please see me. I want you to do very well in class and
have established many items to help you do so. These include:
(1) Online power point slides
(2) Chapter Diagrams
(3) The text
(4) My office hours if you need additional help understanding the material.
With all this support, please remember, the grading scale is the same for everyone.
Reading the chapter (How to study)
A. Read the chapter summary and key terms at the back of the chapter, along with
the “Summing Up” topics throughout the chapter.
Do this before reading the first page of the chapter; it will give you an
overview of what to look for.
B. Review the Power Points and chapter diagrams
This will give you an idea of the topics that are most apt to be on the exams.
C. Scan the chapter and highlight the key exam concepts and terms.
These will be in bold print and italics
D. Underline definitions of terms in the text
E. Read the chapter
I. Ask yourself questions about each major heading
Turn headings into questions
II. Read just for the answer to the question
Remember, this approach will help you focus your study time on the material that is most
apt to be on the exam.
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Chapter Diagrams:
Chapter diagrams are “Concept Maps” of the key concepts being discussed in the
test, and exams. The theory behind these maps is that you can remember a diagram (or
photograph or drawing) better than written text or an outline. This is particularly true of
visual learners.
How to use them:
The best way to use these is to print them out on a color printer and have them in
front of you when reading the text. You can take notes and transfer the key ideas to the
concept diagrams for later study.
When writing the notes into your diagram, ask yourself if you understand them;
then explain it to yourself (or someone else). It will work even better if you can say this
aloud to yourself so you can hear it.
How to study with them:
1. Add any notes you want to the diagram
2. Develop a mental image of the diagram
3. Try to reproduce that image on a blank piece of paper without looking at the
original diagram.
4. Compare your diagram to the original.
A. The missing items are the ones you need to concentrate on
B. Repeat this process.
Finally, these are just study aids. You do not need to use them if you do not want, and
there is nothing to complete or hand in.
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Course Calendar
This calendar is based on a campus class meeting five days a week, and is a general
guideline. You may schedule your time any way you wish. The exams are available from
the day they are posted until the end of the quarter as indicated below. The exam dates
below are suggested dates to help you keep on schedule.
Date
June 27
28
29
30
July 1
4
5
6
7
8
11
12
13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
27
28
29
August 1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
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Chapter
Review syllabus and orient yourself to the class
Ch. 1 – Introduction
Ch. 2 – Theories of Development
Ch. 3 – Heredity and Environment
Ch. 4 – Prenatal Development and Birth
Holiday
Ch. 5 – The First Two Years: Biosocial Development
Ch. 6 - The First Two Years: Cognitive Development
Ch. 7 - The First Two Years: Psychosocial Development
Review for exam #1
Exam #1
Ch. 8 – Early Childhood: Biosocial Development
Ch. 9 – Early Childhood: Cognitive Development
Ch. 10 – Early Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Ch. 11 – Middle Childhood: Biosocial Development
Ch. 12 – Middle Childhood: Cognitive Development
Ch. 13 – Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Review for Exam #2
Exam #2
Ch. 14 – Adolescence: Biosocial Development
Ch. 15 – Adolescence: Cognitive Development
Ch. 16 – Adolescence: Psychosocial Development
Ch. 17 – Emerging Adulthood: Biosocial Development
Ch. 18 – Emerging Adulthood: Cognitive Development
Ch. 19 – Emerging Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
Review for Exam #3
Exam #3
Ch. 20 – Adulthood: Biosocial Development
Ch. 21 – Adulthood: Cognitive Development
Ch. 22 – Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
Ch. 23 – Late Adulthood: Biosocial Development
Ch. 24 – Late Adulthood: Cognitive Development
Ch. 25 – Late Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
Review for exam #4
Exam #4
Review for comprehensive exam
Take comprehensive exam
All exams turn off at 11:00pm Pacific Time
Above dates may vary. Also,
is the last day to withdraw