This syllabus reflects the current remote learning format of the class. However, if the College decides that conditions
allow for face-to-face, this course may return to campus. This syllabus is therefore subject to change.
For the latest news from the College, please check your MDC Student Email and the MDC Coronavirus webpage.
Miami-Dade College
Social Sciences Department
DEP2000, Human Growth & Development
Class 6605
Fall 2020 (2207)
Instructor: Marele Orozco, Psy. D.
Telephone: 305-237-2215 Email and Blackboard Messages are the best way to reach me
Mail: morozco4@mdc.edu
Virtual Office Hours: I will be available to meet with students virtually with an appointment. Please email me to set
up an appointment.
Blackboard Login: http://mycourses.mdc.edu (Note: Video tutorials for Blackboard can be found in the courses area.)
***Please refer to the Academic Calendar for important dates, including drop and withdrawal deadlines. Remote
learning resources for students can also be found on the MDC website. ***
Catalog Course Description: This course examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of human
beings from conception to death. Students will learn about theories of development, key issues in the field and apply
research in developmental psychology throughout the prenatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood periods
of the lifespan. (3 credits)
Pre-Requisites: Student must meet the Developmental Education reading and writing requirements in State Rule 6A10.0315 (by course, placement score, or eligible exemption).
Course Competencies:
Competency 1: The student will examine human life from conception through death by:
1. Identifying unique characteristics of each stage in the life cycle.
2. Stating the major biological and social influences on development at each stage.
3. Listing the sequence of growth and the predictable changes that occur at each stage.
4. Describing the transitional tasks to be accomplished at each stage.
Competency 2: The student will evaluate theoretical perspectives for their value in explaining and predicting growth and
development by:
1. Comparing major theories and theorists.
2. Summarizing the relationship between theory and research methods.
3. Applying research information in practical scenarios.
Competency 3: The student will distinguishing interdisciplinary explanations of developmental tasks and transitions
through the lifespan by:
1. Categorizing the disciplines that seek to clarify human development.
2. Analyzing the usefulness of biology, psychology, sociology, and anthropology for interpreting development.
3. Interpreting personal values as they relate to theoretical assumptions on the nature of growth and development.
Professor Name/ DEP2000- Human Growth and Development/ Social Sciences/ 305.237.2215
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Competency 4: The student will connect physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development at each stage of the life
span by:
1. Differentiating major theories and the proponents of these theories relative to each type of development.
2. Evaluating the relevance of selected theories to real world phenomena, such as in one's own life or experience.
3. Synthesizing the correlations between environmental and hereditary influences on various aspects of development at
each stage.
MDC Learning Outcomes:
The 10 MDC Learning Outcomes *
1. Communication
2. Quantitative
Skills
Analysis
3. Critical
Thinking
4. Information
Literacy
5. Global
Perspectives
6. Personal
Responsibility
8. Technology
Use
9. Aesthetic
Appreciation
10. The
Environment
7. Ethical
Thinking
* See the College’s Learning Outcomes Web Site: https://www.mdc.edu/learningoutcomes/
Required Textbook:
Berger, K.S., The Developing Person Through the Life Span (w/LaunchPad), (11th ed.), Macmillan Learning,
ISBN: 9781319402082
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
Grading Criteria:
90 – 100
80 - 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
59 and below
Assignment
Total
Quizzes (6)
25%
EXAM I
15%
EXAM II
15%
EXAM III
15%
EXAM IV
15%
EXAM V
15%
Total Points
100%
Course Structure: If the College decides that conditions allow for face-to-face, this course may return to campus.
However, until further notice, the college will continue to conduct remote learning through Blackboard. This class is
designated as a “Blended” section, all students will be required to log into Blackboard to access course-related
materials (e.g., Course Syllabus, Class lectures, Tentative Course Schedule, Course Power Points), to complete / upload
for submission course assignments (e.g., Discussion Boards, Course Quizzes, Assignments) and to utilize Blackboard
communication tools (e.g., Blackboard and MDC email) for this course.
 Our course will take place in an asynchronous environment unless the instructor notifies you differently via
email and/or blackboard. In an asynchronous environment, students will not have to meet in “real-time” online
for class lecture, instead, you will receive all course content online. Class content will include a combination of
classroom-based recorded lectures, online content format, and interactions with online tools.)
Professor Name/ DEP2000- Human Growth and Development/ Social Sciences/ 305.237.2215
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Technical Requirements: Please refer to the LMS Requirements & Plugin Information at MDC ONLINE website. Mozilla
Firefox is the recommended browser and headsets/microphone are needed for participation in web-conferencing
activities through Blackboard Collaborate; a webcam is optional. In addition, Microsoft Office applications such as Word,
Excel, and PowerPoint are standard for MDC ONLINE courses.
Due to the necessity of technology, you must have a backup plan for using an alternative computer with Internet access
in case of problems with your personal computer. If you have a technology problem that affects your ability to access
your course, please notify your instructor immediately. If you can access other Internet sites but cannot access your
online course, you need to contact the MDC ONLINE Help Desk at 305-237-3800 to seek assistance.
Course Policies:
1.
Exams: (There will be five exams and six quizzes. Most of the questions on the exams will require
that you apply knowledge rather than repeat information memorized from the textbook. There
will be no make-up exams in this course. All exams and quizzes will be posted on Blackboard on the
selected dates at 8:00 am. Tests will be open at least 24 hours. There will be no Midterm or Final.
2.
Participation & Attendance: The time required to be successful in this course is explained below.
Read this part carefully:
Some students have the misguided impression that online courses are less work or easier than
traditional courses. On the contrary, students must be independent learners and self-directed.
The online work for this course will require 2 - 3 hours of work each week, maybe more, depending
on your goal and your experience with computers. You will also be required to spend 2 - 3 hours offline per week reading the text and doing assignments.
Regular logins are required in this course. Attendance will be tracked by a combination of things
including a student’s regular login and weekly progress of class content (i.e., asynchronous prerecorded weekly lecture, quizzes/exams, course reading, discussion board, assignment
completion, etc.). If you fail to log in for extended periods of time and fail to complete any weekly
assignments, you may be dropped from the course. I expect you to maintain a regular weekly
presence online. This is to keep up with assignments, to read important messages and postings, and
to ensure you are spending the required amount of time in the course. Students will likely average
2-3 hours a week online and I do keep track and if you are not online for the required amount of
time, I may drop you.
If you are dropped from the class, either by me or by the College for non-payment, you will not
receive a grade nor will I accept assignments, papers, or exams from you.
3.
Readings/Assignments: Success in this course requires familiarity with the textbook. I will not cover
all material in the text; however, you are responsible for all reading materials assigned. All the
Exams will be based on the book and the quizzes will be based on the videos posted on Blackboard.
4.
Online Etiquette – “Netiquette”: The following are expectations for the course netiquette: Be
respectful; be aware of how your comments might be read; and be careful with humor and
sarcasm. This includes being mindful of others' comments, not attacking peoples' opinions, etc. The
materials discussed may be controversial at times and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
instructor. At no time will crude, degrading, or inappropriate remarks be tolerated. Each student will
be encouraged to respond to any comments made, must exhibit tolerance of other's opinions and
beliefs. Any student who intentionally disrupts the teaching/learning process or who acts in a
disrespectful, actions will be addressed based on the College’s Code of Conduct that is available
at MDC Student Policies and Procedures.
Professor Name/ DEP2000- Human Growth and Development/ Social Sciences/ 305.237.2215
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5.
Class Correspondence/Emails: Students will be responsible for monitoring the course Blackboard
site, their Blackboard email accounts, and their MDC email accounts for notices / emails / syllabi
announcements or changes for this course. Students must use Blackboard and MDC email in this
course for course-related communication as private email is generally being routed through SPAM
mail by MDC Technical Support and are therefore often not received in a timely manner by the
course instructor. Students must contact MDC Technical Support or utilize online help features from
Blackboard if they have difficulty accessing or using their Blackboard accounts.
Academic Integrity:
All students are expected to meet the College’s academic conduct standards. Acts of academic misconduct, including
cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, and facilitating academic dishonesty will be referred to the Academic Dean.
Students who break the College’s academic conduct standards will be charged with misconduct charges. For more
information on these standards, refer to the Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook at:
http://www.mdc.edu/rightsandresponsibilities/
Access Disability Services:
Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in advance for information and for
obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations can be provided. They may be reached at (305) 237-2767.
Website: http://www.mdc.edu/access/
Learning Resources Labs and Courtyards: The Learning Resources Labs and Courtyards offer students and faculty a wide
array of supplemental assistance to ensure academic success. The facility houses state-of-the-art technology and
software, and tutoring is offered through adjacent labs. Students may receive assistance on projects and presentations
at the Support Lab. Please ask a Learning Resources staff member for more information. Learning Resources can be
reached at (305) 237-2502. Learning Resources Website: http://www.mdc.edu/learning-resources/
Recommended Social Science Databases: PsycArticles, SIRS Researcher, Opposing Viewpoints, Social Sciences Full Text,
Academic Search Complete, JSTOR
College Writing Center: If you need assistance with papers or other writing assignments, the writing center can assist in
tutoring or general questions regarding written work. They can be reached at (305) 237-0813.
Other Support Services and Resources
Tutoring Labs – MDC also offers remote tutoring for various subjects and disciplines. For more information, please visit:
https://libraryguides.mdc.edu/BbLTutoring
Counseling Services – Students can receive up to six free hour-long sessions where they can speak in confidentiality to a
licensed counselor.
Office 365 Student Advantage – Students enrolled at the College have access to the latest versions of Office Suite
through the Microsoft Student Advantage program.
Single Stop – Single Stop is a one-stop source for students and immediate family members to be connected to public
benefits and local resources. Single Stop offers students a wide array of services including benefits screening, free tax
preparation, financial coaching, Food Pantry for Students and health insurance assistance. Single Stop can be reached at
ksinglestop@mdc.edu and (305) 237-0712.
Public Safety Services – Kendall’s Public Safety Office can be reached at (305) 237-2100. For more information about
MDC Alerts, please visit: https://www.mdc.edu/main/safety/OEP/mdc-alerts.aspx
Professor Name/ DEP2000- Human Growth and Development/ Social Sciences/ 305.237.2215
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Course Schedule and Outline:
Dates
Week 1
Week 2
09/01/2020
09/03/2020
09/08/2020
09/10/2020
Week 4
09/15/2020
09/17/2020
09/22/2020
09/24/2020
Week 5
09/29/2020
10/01/2020
Week 3
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
10/06/2020
10/08/2020
10/13/2020
10/15/2020
10/20/2020
10/22/2020
10/27/2020
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
10/29/2020
11/03/2020
11/05/2020
11/10/2020
11/12/2020
11/17/2020
11/19/2020
Week 15
11/24/2020
11/26/2020
12/01/2020
12/03/2020
12/08/2020
12/10/2020
Week 16
12/15/2020
Week 13
Week 14
-All postings will open on the selected dates at 8:00 a
Topic & Assignments: -Videos with their respective quizzes will be open for one week
-Exams will be open from Tuesdays to Thursdays
Chapter 1: The Science of Human Development
Chapter 2: Theories / Recorded Lecture on Chapter 2
Chapter 3: The New Genetics
Chapter 4: Prenatal Development and Birth
VIDEO-Life Before Birth- In the Womb/ Quiz 1 on video
EXAM I (Ch. 1-4)
Chapter 5: The First Two Years: Biosocial Development
Chapter 6: The First Two Years: Cognitive Development
Chapter 7: The First Two Years: Psychosocial Development/ Recorded Lecture on Chapter 7
VIDEO-8 Stages of Development by Erik Erikson/ Quiz 2 on video
Chapter 8: Early Childhood: Biosocial Development
Chapter 9: Early Childhood: Cognitive Development /
VIDEO- How Child Neglect Harms Brain Development in Children / Quiz 3 on video
Chapter 10: Early Childhood: Psychosocial Development
EXAM II (Ch. 5-10)
Chapter 11: Middle Childhood: Biosocial Development
Chapter 12: Middle Childhood: Cognitive Development / Recorded Lecture on Chapter 12
Chapter 13: Middle Childhood: Psychosocial Development
Chapter 14: Adolescence: Biosocial Development
Chapter 15: Adolescence: Cognitive Development
VIDEO-The Mysterious workings of the adolescent brain/ Quiz 4 on video
Chapter 16: Adolescence: Psychosocial Development Recorded Lecture on Chapter 16
EXAM III (Ch. 11-16)
Chapter 17: Emerging Adult: Biosocial Development
Chapter 18: Emerging Adult: Cognitive Development
Chapter 19: Emerging Adult: Psychosocial Development Recorded Lecture on Chapter 19
Chapter 20: Adulthood: Biosocial Development
Chapter 21: Adulthood: Cognitive Development
VIDEO-Maslow’s hierarchy of needs/ Quiz 5 on video
Chapter 22: Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
Thanksgiving
EXAM IV (Ch. 17-22)
Chapter 23: Late Adulthood: Biosocial Development /Recorded Lecture on Chapter 23
Chapter 24: Late Adulthood: Cognitive Development
Chapter 25: Late Adulthood: Psychosocial Development
VIDEO-The Secret to living longer may be your social life/ Quiz 6 on video
EXAM V (Ch.23-25)
Fall 2207 Term Holiday Dates:
 Saturday, September 5th – Monday, September 7th (Labor Day)
 Wednesday, November 11th (Veterans Day)
 Thursday, November 26th – Sunday, November 29th (Thanksgiving)
*** Syllabus outline is subject to change at the discretion of the professor. ***
Professor Name/ DEP2000- Human Growth and Development/ Social Sciences/ 305.237.2215
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