PSYCH 041 – LIFESPAN PSYCHOLOGY
L.A. PIERCE COLLEGE – SPRING 2022
[3 units; UC:CSU]
DUAL DELIVERY
Section #14724 (In-person)
Section #25890 (Online/Zoom)
Instructor: Brian P. Gendron, Ph.D.
Email: gendrobp@piercecollege.edu
Office hours: Mon/Wed/Fri: 9:15-10:45am (Canvas Chat Room), Tuesday: 12:351:40pm BEH 1306F; subject to change, and available by appointment.
Textbook: Berk, L.E. (2018). Exploring Lifespan Development (4th ed.) Boston, MA:
Pearson. [ISBN: 0134488954 / 9780134488950]
Course website: Canvas: https://ilearn.laccd.edu
o LoginID / UserID: Student ID number, example: 881234567
o Password: 88mmdd or 88 + month + day you were born. Example:
880101 for Jan 1 birthday
o PierceOnLine Resources: http://online.piercecollege.edu/student.html
Advisory: Completion of PSYCH 001 or PSYCH 006*
*This “advisory” means it is generally recommended (although not required) that
you complete PSYCH 001 or 006 before taking this class, PSYCH 013. This is to
ensure you have a foundational understanding of the concepts we will expand upon
in this class. If you have questions about your ability to succeed in the course,
please contact the instructor for assistance.
What is PSYCH041 – Lifespan Psychology?
This course is a scientific exploration of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional human
development. One goal of this course is to familiarize you with the broad discipline of
lifespan/developmental psychology, which is defined as the scientific study of thought
and behavior over time. We will study important areas within the field and provide
necessary background for future study. Another goal is to foster critical thinking, as we
examine evidence-based theory as well as our own lifespans, through the lens of
developmental psychology. This subject covers some controversial and sensitive topics
on which class members may have diverse opinions. In a college setting, it is essential
that we treat the topics with appropriate scientific rigor, and class members’ differing
viewpoints with respect.
Go Brahmas!
PSYC41 – Spring 2021
Pg.1
Grading and evaluation procedures for the course:
Participation posts (15 total) = 45 points
Forum discussion themed posts (8 total) = 120 points
Quizzes (7 total) = 140 points
Exam 1 = 145 points
Exam 2 = 145 points
Exam 3 = 145 points
Written essay assignments (2 total) = 160 points
TOTAL = 1000 points
Grades: 900-1000 = A; 800-899 = B; 700-799 = C; 600-699 = D; 599 or under = F
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical constructs
among the 4 main areas of human development (Physical, Cognitive, Social, and
Emotional) throughout the lifespan. Students will be able to differentiate among classic
developmental research designs.
Course Topics and Associated Textbook Chapters (Berk, 2018)
UNIT 1
 Welcome to PSYC41 - Ch. 1 + Research Methods
 Prenatal Development, Birth, the Baby - Ch. 2 and Ch. 3
 Physical Dev. – Infancy/Toddlerhood – Ch. 4
 Cognitive Dev. - Infancy/Toddlerhood – Ch. 5
 Social & Emotional – Infancy/Toddlerhood – Ch. 6
UNIT






2
Physical
Social &
Physical
Social &
Physical
Social &
UNIT







3
Physical & Cognitive - Early Adulthood – Ch. 13
Emotional & Social – Early Adulthood – Ch. 14
Physical & Cognitive – Mid. Adulthood – Ch. 15
Social & Emotional – Mid. Adulthood – Ch. 16
Physical & Cognitive – Late Adulthood – Ch. 17
Social & Emotional - Late Adulthood – Ch. 18
Death, Dying, and Bereavement – Ch. 19
& Cognitive - Early Childhood – Ch. 7
Emotional - Early Childhood – Ch. 8
& Cognitive – Middle Childhood – Ch. 9
Emotional – Middle Childhood – Ch. 10
& Cognitive – Adolescence – Ch. 11
Emotional – Adolescence - Ch. 12
All assignments will be conducted online, using the course website (Canvas).
Assignments will include a mix of discussion forum contributions, quizzes/exams, and
written application essays.
All exams are asynchronous online. You only have one attempt on exams. Exams
are open-book, open-note; however, just like quizzes, they are not open-person. What
this means is that you may not get help from anyone else on the exam, including
PSYC41 – Spring 2021
Pg.2
roommates, family members, friends, another student in this class, a tutor, etc. All other
resources are fair game.
Quizzes may be taken twice, and the highest grade counts towards your course grade.
After a quiz is closed it cannot be submitted for credit.
The essays will involve an application of psychological theory to your own personal
experiences. Specific instructions will be provided with a minimum of two weeks notice
before the due date. Essays and other assignments submitted online will be accepted
late up to three business days after the due date. Afterwards, assignments may not be
submitted for credit. There is also a Final Exam grade-replacement policy, in which the
final exam percentage can replace a lower percentage on Exams 1 or 2.
Discussion topics will be identified each week and will be related to the textbook reading,
lectures, and assigned exercises. You are required to participate in online discussions
throughout the semester by 1) posting a response to the assigned topic and 2) posting a
response to another student (please identify the student by first name). I recommend
posting your original response and then waiting to respond to another student's posting
(maybe someone will respond to your posting and you can address their comments).
Each of your discussion postings must demonstrate your understanding and application
of the course material. Be sure there is sufficient content. There is no real content in
statements such as “I agree with you” or “Great post” or “Nice job.”
-If you need help paying for books and other college expenses, call the Financial Aid
Office at (818) 719-6428
http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/financial_aid
-CSUN Minor in Civic Engagement -- This course was identified as a GE Path course
leading to an OPTIONAL minor in Civic Engagement at CSUN. There are five paths a
student may take (Aesthetics and Culture, Health and Wellness, Global Studies, Social
Justice, and Sustainability) and this course fulfills the Health and Wellness Path. Please
inquire with your instructor if you are interested in additional courses offered at Pierce to
fulfill this Path. To apply to this program, please register at:
http://faculty.piercecollege.edu/gepaths/
Health and Wellness Path:
Communication Studies 121 -The Process of Interpersonal Communication
Health 2 -Health and Fitness
Health 7 -Fitness and Nutrition
Health 8 -Women's Personal Health
Health 11 -Principles of Healthful Living
Kinesiology 117 -Introduction to Personal Training
Psychology 14 -Abnormal Psychology
Psychology 16 -Intimacy, Marriage and Family Relationships
PSYCH 013 - Spring 2022
Pg.3
Psychology 41 -Life Span Psychology: From Infancy to Old Age
Psychology 52 -Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality
Psychology 60 -Stress Management
FREE tutoring at L.A. Pierce College
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) supports you online & in person.
Here’s how to find a tutor:
1. Look in your Canvas shell and see if there is a tutor embedded in it.
2. Click “LAPC Tutoring” from any Canvas shell. You can “drop in” to see an online tutor
or make an in-person appointment. Here’s a guide to using the new online system.
3. Come visit us! Library & Learning Crossroads Building (LLC) Room 5130 M-Th 9am 5pm
Want more? Check out the CAS website for paper drop off, workshops, CAS Canvas
resources, ESL support, the computer lab, the Writing Lab, 24-hour tutoring with
Nettutor, and more!
We look forward to seeing you!
Library & Learning Crossroads Building (LLC) Room 5130
In person M-Th 9am - 5pm
Call or text 818-305-4569 or Zoom with the CAS Help Desk
Online M-Th 9am - 5:30pm & F 10am - 2pm
Visit our website
New Studying Resource: CircleIn
Pierce College has made CircleIn, an all-in-one studying app and website, available to
you and your classmates. You can easily ask a question, hop into the video study room,
create study groups, and share helpful content. Earn rewards and scholarships, just for
helping and collaborating with your classmates!
To get started utilize the log-in instructions below:
1. Download the App or visit the App’s Desktop Version
2. Search for Pierce College
3. This will take you to the student portal where you’ll login as usual with
your "@student.laccd.edu" email address and password.
4. You will now be logged into CircleIn and will see your Pierce courses!
Want to learn more? Visit the CircleIn Student Support Center!
Special Services
Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that
they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact the office of
Special Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are
implemented in a timely fashion. Authorization, based on verification of disability, is
required before any accommodation can be made.
818.719.6430 – Student Services Building, 1st floor
PSYCH 013 - Spring 2022
Pg.4
Foster youth students
We are making a special effort to support current and former foster youths at Pierce
College. If you are a current or former foster youth you may qualify for other support
services to help you achieve your educational goals. Please contact our Guardian
Scholars Program at (818) 710-3323 or send us an email at
guardianscholars@piercecollege.edu so you can get the support you are eligible for.
Student Health Center
Medical and mental health services are available to all currently enrolled students at the
Student Health Center. There is no cost to students to see any of the medical and
mental health providers during extended office hours. We are now Family PACT
providers too. Call 818-710-4270 to make an appointment or to ask a question. Located
on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building. Like us on Facebook or visit our
website: www.piercecollege.edu/offices/health_center
Attendance and Participation Policy






Only students who have been admitted to the College and are in approved active
status may attend classes. Students are expected to be in class on time and to
remain for the entire class period. Medical appointments, work, job interviews,
childcare responsibilities, etc., should be arranged so as not to occur during class
time. Please do not make requests for exceptions.
Any student who has unexcused absences equaling one week’s worth of
class time prior to the census date may be excluded.
Students may drop the class online, before the last day to drop. Students should
never rely on the instructor to exclude them.
By the last day to add the class, students are responsible to inform the instructor of
any anticipated absences due to observance of major religious holidays so that
alternative arrangements may be made. Failure to do so may result in an inability to
make other arrangements or a lower grade.
Students who are registered in a class and miss the first meeting may lose their right
to a place in the class, but the instructor may consider special circumstances.
Instructors will generally only exclude students through the census date for nonattendance. It is the student’s responsibility to drop classes in time to avoid fees
and/or grades of ‘W’.”
According to College policies, instructors may exclude (drop) inactive students from
their class rolls through the “drop-with-W” deadline. In this class, inactivity is defined
as missing two class periods in a row at any point or missing more than two class
periods total before the “drop-with-W” deadline.
Religious holidays
There are a variety of “religious holidays” occurring during the semester. While these
are neither Federal- or State-sanctioned holidays, they ARE days of religious observance
that may impact some students in the class. If you plan to miss a class period, an
assignment due date or an exam because you will be practicing your religion on a
particular day, you need to notify your instructor of this fact in advance. The earlier the
better! Official notification will take the form of a note, written and signed by the
student, which specifies the anticipated date(s) of absence. Failure to provide proper
notification will negate the student’s options to receive credit for missed activities.
PSYCH 013 - Spring 2022
Pg.5
Limits to confidentiality
Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for this class are generally considered
confidential pursuant to Pierce College’s student record policies. However, students
should be aware that Pierce College employees, including instructors, may not be able to
maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain
issues based on external legal obligations or that relate to the health and safety of LAPC
community members and others. As the instructor, I must report the following
information to other college offices if you share it with me:
Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a
child, allegations of sexual assault or sexual harassment when they involve LAPC
students, faculty, or staff, and credible threats of harm to oneself or to others.
These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you
about the incident that you have shared. In almost all cases, it will be your decision
whether you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these
events in a more confidential setting you are encouraged to make an appointment with
the LAPC BESAFE Team.
Privacy and FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C.
§ 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education
records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of
the U.S. Department of Education. Pierce College is subject to FERPA. Generally, schools
must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from
a student's education record. Discussing information such as enrollments, prerequisites,
and grades over a non-student.laccd.edu email constitutes a release of information from
a student's education record without written permission and thus, a violation of Federal
Law. Information such as enrollments, prerequisites, grades, etc. may be discussed with
the student only by using their *@student.laccd.edu email. Emails sent from nonstudent.laccd.edu email accounts will be returned unanswered.
https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Reporting
Students experiencing any other form of prohibited discrimination or harassment can
find information at http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/compliance/ for help. As LAPC
policy has different reporting requirements based on the nature of the reported
harassment or discrimination, additional information about reporting requirements for
discrimination or harassment unrelated to sexual assault, relationship violence, sex or
gender-based bullying, stalking, and/or sexual harassment is available at
http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/compliance/.
Faculty are required under Title IX to inform the Title IX Office should they become
aware that you or any other student has experienced sexual violence or sexual
harassment.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
LACCD employees, including faculty and staff, are mandatory reporters of child abuse.
This statement is to advise you that your disclosure of information about child abuse to
a Pierce employee may trigger the Pierce employee’s duty to report that information to
PSYCH 013 - Spring 2022
Pg.6
the designated authorities. Please refer to the following links for detailed information
about mandatory reporting: http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/compliance/
Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and
dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. If you have experienced sexual harassment
or sexual violence, you can receive confidential support and advocacy at LAPC.
Diversity Statement
We will continuously strive to build an inclusive, welcoming community of individuals
with diverse backgrounds, talents and skills who are committed to civility, mutual
respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas. We commit ourselves to
change, growth, and action that embrace diversity as an integral resource of our
educational experience and of the community we create.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty
The faculty and administration of Pierce College are committed to the belief that honesty
and integrity are integral components of the academic process. The College expects
students to be honest and ethical at all times in their pursuit of academic goals.
Students who violate the code of academic conduct by which the College maintains its
academic integrity will be dealt with in a manner reflecting the seriousness of these
violations.
I. Violations of academic honesty and integrity occur when a student participates in any
act in which he/she uses deception or fraud while performing an academic activity.
Violations include, but are not limited to, the following: Using study aids such as
calculators, tape recorders or notes, when not authorized by the instructor. Cheating on
examinations, assignments or experiments (allowing another student to copy one’s
answers or copying the answers of other students; exchanging information by any
means, including verbal exchanges, sign language, hand signals, secret codes, passed
notes, creation of a distraction for the purpose of cheating; changing answers on a
previously scored test, assignment or experiment; inventing information and/or data.)
Allowing another student to assume one’s identity in order to fulfill an assignment or
take a test. Submitting for a grade the words, ideas, and/or written work (including
laboratory notes and drawings) of another person without giving due credit to that
person. This includes purchased papers or papers written by other students. Falsifying
or attempting to falsify attendance records and/or grade rosters. Conspiring with other
students to commit any of the above behaviors.
II. Consequences for any offense against academic honesty and integrity may include:
An “F” or a “0” on the examination or assignment. Suspension from the class and other
sanctions and/or penalties authorized by the Board of Trustees for violations of the
District Code of Conduct. A record of the student’s violation placed in the student’s
disciplinary file. Students are required to be honest and complete their own work at all
times (homework, class work, quizzes, tests, etc.). Additional information about
plagiarism can be found at www.plagiarism.org or through various websites on the
Internet.
PSYCH 013 - Spring 2022
Pg.7
How do I contact the instructor?
See the top of syllabus for my office hours. You may also email me at
gendrobp@piercecollege.edu. Please include the course name and section number when
contacting instructor via email.
PSYCH 041 – Spring 2022
8
This is a Dual Delivery Course
You are part of a new program we are initiating here at Pierce College - Dual Delivery!
Dual Delivery class sessions are conducted in a traditional classroom or lecture hall and
are simultaneously available online. Students can register for the in-class or the
synchronous streaming section of the class. Students registered for the in-class session
have the option to attend the class online as needed. This will require prior instructor
approval.
Expectations for a Dual Delivery Course





The instructor will be in the classroom.
Students registered for the in-person section of the class ("Roomies") will be in the
classroom. Students registered for the online section of the class will attend the class
session through Zoom ("Zoomies"). To help create an inclusive classroom
environment, the Zoomies may be projected onto a screen in the classroom.
All class activities are offered both in-person and online.
Lectures may be recorded for later asynchronous viewing.
Both Roomies and Zoomies will take online quizzes and exams.
Student Responsibilities




All students must read the entire Syllabus and adhere to all course policies and
expectations.
Zoomies must have access to computers with web cameras and microphones, and
they must have access to reliable broadband.
Roomies must wear masks (see below).
All students must attend and actively participate in the class as scheduled, and keep
current with all course assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
Recording and Privacy



By enrolling in this class, you are giving permission for software/cameras to be used
to record live class discussions. As a student in this class, your participation in live
class discussions will be recorded to assist those who cannot attend the live session
or to serve as a resource for those who would like to review the content that was
presented.
These recordings will be made available only to students who are currently enrolled
in the class, and only during the period in which the course is offered. All recordings
will become unavailable to students in the class shortly after the course ends.
The recordings of our Zoom sessions will be available to you by clicking on “Zoom” in
the lefthand links of our Canvas shell and then clicking the “Previous Meetings” tab.
Please do not share or post these recordings yourself.
Masks On Campus
In compliance with Health Orders from the Los Angeles County Department of Public
Health, the Los Angeles Community College District, Board Policy 2800, approved August
4, 2021, all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status,
shall wear a mask or face covering while inside any District building,
PSYCH 041 – Spring 2022
9
classroom, library, gymnasium, facility or other indoor settings. These
requirements are in place to fulfill the Board’s statutory obligation to protect its
students, faculty, employees, and visitors from the risks associated with the spread of
infectious diseases, including the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants.
Students who fail to wear a mask/face covering while indoors at all LACCD colleges and
facilities, including classrooms, will be asked to either comply or to leave the classroom
immediately. Continued failure to comply constitutes a violation of the Student Code of
Conduct as outlined in Board Policy 5500 and students may be subject to further
disciplinary action. Pursuant to Education Code Section 76032, students may be
removed from class for up to two (2) class sessions for refusing to wear the mask/face
coverings required by this Board Policy. Further or repeated offenses may result in
discipline pursuant to Education Code, Board Rules, and Board Policy.
Exceptions to the mask/facial covering requirement are that the student has a valid
medical exception currently on file in their college’s Disabled Student Programs and
Services / Office of Special Services (DSPS/OSS) office, such as a medical condition,
including mental health or disability, that prevents wearing a mask, or, for students who
are hearing impaired or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where
the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. To facilitate sign language
use in the classroom, faculty and sign-language interpreters may remove their face
covering for instruction purposes only. In such cases, faculty and interpreters must
maintain six feet of distance from all others in the classroom. Should any student have
an approved exemption from wearing a mask/face covering, they must also maintain six
feet of distance from all others.



Board Policy 2800 (Links to an external site.)
Board Policy 5500 (Links to an external site.)
Board Action August 4, 2021Links to an external site.
Please Be Patient!
Dual Delivery is an exciting new learning modality in which you will have more control
over your learning experience by choosing how you will experience the class.
As a participant in this new modality, you can expect that we will encounter issues and
challenges along the way. I ask for your patience as we work to smooth out your
learning experience. I will be asking you to provide feedback throughout the semester,
and I will be adjusting to meet classroom learning needs as we move forward.
Thank you for your patience and participation as we embark on this adventure together!
Required Computer Competency and Support
As a Dual Delivery class, you'll use the following skills:
1. Computer skills (word processing, software installation, and file management –
upload, download, save, name, copy, move, backup, delete, and organize folders).
2. Internet skills (connect, access, and browse the learning management system,
search engines, and library databases).
3. Online communication skills (read, search, create, send, receive, reply, follow
threads, email, chat, message, and post).
PSYCH 041 – Spring 2022
10
Don't feel quite ready? Don't worry. There are lots of resources to help support
you!
Canvas Student Support Resources






If you are new to online learning or find that you struggle with remote learning,
check out Pierce Online: Student Resources where there is a lot of helpful
information to get you started with online learning.
If you are new to Canvas, check out the student guides and tutorials in
the PierceOnline: Student Canvas Orientation Module that is posted at the top
of our Modules page.
Self-enroll in the LAPC Student Canvas Resource shell to have access to great
tutorials and resources.
Self-enroll in our Quest for Success Workshop to assess your readiness for online
learning.
If you are unsure about your "tech readiness", check out Getting Tech Ready(Links to
an external site.) (Links to an external site.), a resource created by the California
Community Colleges OEI (Online Education Initiative) that can help you prepare for
the online term ahead. OEI has also created many Online Readiness Tutorials (Links
to an external site.) that many students have found helpful.
You can check your computer's readiness for the class with this Computer Readiness
Test(Links to an external site.).
Need More Help with Canvas?
At Pierce, we have a Student Support Hub that you will find in the Global Navigation
Menu.



For help with anything Canvas-related, such as how to submit a reply to a discussion
assignment, how to embed an image, and how to access assignment comments,
search the Canvas tutorials (select Student Support > Student Help Desk > Browse
Canvas Tutorials).
For live help with Canvas, click Student Support > Student Help Desk> Remote
Student Support, and scroll down to the Zoom hours listed under LAPC Online
Student Help.
For Canvas 24/7 technical troubleshooting support, select
Student Support > Student Help Desk> Remote Student Support, and scroll down
to Canvas Support: Live Chat Support.
PSYCH 041 – Spring 2022
11