HUMANDEV 224; SOC 224
Approaches to Human Development
Fall 2018 Course Syllabus
Class Meeting Time and Location: Mondays and Wednesdays; 10:05-11:20 am, Soc/Psych 127
Instructor:
Dr. Pamela Maxson
Pm12@duke.edu
919-812-8389
Office Hours: by appointment
Teaching Assistant:
Bridget Wallace
Bridget.wallace@duke.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Description and Objectives:
HUMANDEV 224; SOC 224: This course provides a broad overview of the fundamentals of
human development, covering topics in the areas of biological, cognitive, emotional and social
development from prenatal stages to old age. The objective of the course is to provide an
understanding of normative development, as well as theories, methods and research relevant to the
study of human development, and how this research can be used to inform practical problems.
Students will engage with reading, lectures, active learning activities, and discussions to develop
an understanding of how individuals change and grow within social and cultural contexts. As
developing humans, each class member brings unique experiences relevant to the biological,
sociological, cultural, and psychological processes of development. Therefore, class discussion,
comments, and questions are strongly encouraged to add to the richness of the learning experience.
Undergraduate Program in Human Development: This course has been designed to introduce
students to the undergraduate certificate program in Human Development. The main objective of
the program and this course is to broaden and enhance the perspectives of students interested in
human development by fostering an understanding and appreciation of how biological,
sociological and psychological factors act together in development of the life course; highlighting
how different disciplines conceptualize and study development; demonstrating the
complimentarity of disciplinary perspectives; and facilitating dialogue which illustrates the
necessity of multidisciplinary perspectives. For further information about the Certificate program,
please contact Dr. Deborah T. Gold, at deborah.gold@duke.edu or 919-660-7530.
Required Course Reading Materials:
Textbook: Sigelman, C., and Rider, E. (2014). Life-span Human Development (8th edition).
Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-1285454313 7th or 8th or 9th edition
Cleary, Beverly, any Ramona book
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh
Albom, M. (1997). Tuesdays with Morrie. New York: Doubleday Publishers. OR
Other readings as assigned
Reading Assignments and Lecture Material:
Assigned readings complement the lecture material discussed during the class period. Together,
the textbook, additional readings, assignments, and lectures serve as the basis for exam questions.
Please complete all assigned readings prior to the class period for which they are listed.
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Course Requirements
Exams:
There will be 3 non-cumulative, in-class, multiple choice and short answer question exams in this
course. These are based on textbook, readings, class material, and lecture material.
Final Exam:
There will be a final exam which will allow you to integrate what you have learned over the
semester. The exam will be due on May 1, 2019, 2:00 pm.
Research Project Proposal:
The central assignment of the course is the development of a proposal for an individual research
project. Each student is free to choose a topic that interests him or her, as long as it is relevant to
the empirical study of human development. Each student will complete four (4) assignments that
will provide an opportunity to develop and revise his or her research project.
1. First, students will submit a research question they are interested in pursuing for Topic
Approval. The topic of the papers must be approved by the instructor.
2. Research Project Proposal Draft: To be peer-reviewed.
3. Poster: A scientific session will introduce students to poster session presentations, which
are used at scientific and scholarly meetings. The posters will present the student’s own
research proposal as described in the research paper. Examples will be shown in class.
4. Final Research Project Proposal: This is the final version of the student’s individual
research proposal. Papers should be approximately 10 pages long (not including cover page
or references), and should be appropriately formatted using the American Psychological
Association (APA) citation and reference style. The paper will consist of the following
sections: Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, and References.
Individual Development Project:
Human development starts with individual development. Over the course of the semester, you will
be presented with material that will encourage you to consider your own development – past,
present, and future. The semester will culminate in a project of your choosing – some examples
could be a photo journal, a PowerPoint, a written journal, a storyboard, a video, a song. The
possibilities are limitless. You are encouraged to capture your thoughts as you learn about the areas
of human development.
Other Graded Activities:
Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend class, keep current on the readings, and actively
participate in class discussions with relevant contributions.
Short Papers: Throughout the semester, several short reaction papers will be assigned.
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Grade Breakdown:
Exams
55%
Exam 1
(15%)
Exam 2
(15%)
Exam 3
(15%)
Final exam
(10%)
Research project
Research paper
(15%)
Poster
(5%)
Individual development (ID) project
Short papers
Participation/Attendance
Grade:
Points (Percent):
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
93 - 100%
90 - 92.99%
87 - 89.99%
83 - 86.99%
80 - 82.99%
77 - 79.99%
73 - 76.99%
70 - 72.99%
67 - 69.99%
63 - 66.99%
60 - 62.99%
59.99% and below
20%
10%
10%
5%
Late Work:
I will not accept late work. I will consider extensions on an individual case basis, PRIOR to the
due date. The following work cannot be completed late and will receive a score of 0 if not turned
in on time: Posters, In-Class Assignments
Academic Integrity:
I expect you to act in accordance with Duke’s Community Standard. Violations of this policy
include, but are not limited to cheating (intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized
materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise) and plagiarism (knowingly
representing the words of another as one's own in any academic exercise). I will report violations
of the Duke Community Standard to the Office of Student Conduct.
Duke Community Standard: Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship,
leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability.
Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic
and non-academic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity.
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To uphold the Duke Community Standard:
• I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors;
• I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors; and
• I will act if the Standard is compromised.
Name: ____________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _______________
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