HDFS 225: Lifespan Human Development
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Christopher K. Belous, MA CFLE
belousch@msu.edu
Rm. 6 Human Ecology Bldg
M/W 11:00am-12:00noon
TA:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Sudha Sankar, MS
sankarsu@msu.edu
Rm. 4 Human Ecology Bldg
W 2:00pm-4:00pm
Semester:
Section:
Course Location:
Course Days/Times:
Spring 2012
002
N101 North Kedzie
M/W 12:40pm-2:00pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The registrar’s office describes this course as “human development in the family and across the lifespan
with an ecological perspective.” This is accurate as we will be covering human development from
conception to death, all summarized within a 16-week course. This means that we will be covering a
LARGE amount of material in a short amount of time. For more in-depth courses on developmental
sections of the lifespan see HDFS 145 (adulthood), 211 (childhood), and 212 (adolescence).
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
*Additional readings may be assigned, and will be made available on the ANGEL website.
Crandell, T., Crandell, C., & Zanden, J. V. (2008). Human development (9th
Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 0-07-337042-8
iClicker - Type II. ISBN: 1429280476**
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course, you should feel comfortable/have knowledge of:
 Describing human development from multiple age ranges throughout the life course
 Discussing human developmental theories
 Be able to recognize and create appropriate APA formatting for professional writing
 Understand and articulate developmental stages of life
 Understand course concepts
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is an essential part of all of our lives. During class time, I expect that all cell phones and
other sound-making devices will be silenced or turned off. This does not mean vibrate, it means
silent/turned off. Even vibrations can distract your neighbors. If you repeatedly violate this rule, you will
be asked to leave the class for that session. I also expect that most students will be bringing laptop or
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
Page 1 of 7
tablet computers with them to class. These are to be used for taking notes only. If you are noticed
browsing the web, getting on facebook, checking your email, etc., you will be asked to shut down your
computer. If it continues to happen, you will be asked not to bring it to class.
Email. Email will be the sole communication method outside of direct contact with the
Instructor/TA during class time. As such, you may receive emails via the ANGEL web
system, and/or directly from the Instructor/TA. These emails will be sent to your MSU.edu
email only. It is expected that you will check your MSU.edu email at least daily. If you do
not use your MSU.edu email address, it is expected that you have set it up to forward to
another email address that is checked frequently. For directions on how to do this, please contact the
ATS Helpdesk at 517-432-6200. Emails are expected to include your full name, and an appropriate
message. A basic amount of grammar and care should be taken when composing your emails to the
Instructor/TA.
ANGEL. This course will utilize the ANGEL web system for use with dissemination of materials and with
providing information to you as students. You will also use ANGEL to submit papers in drop boxes, get
assignment information, communicate with your peers, and check your grades. If you are unfamiliar
with ANGEL, it is recommended that you set up a time to meet with the TA to go over the basic
functions of ANGEL. You should be aware that the Safari web browser from Apple is not compatible with
ANGEL, and you will experience many difficulties should you try and use it. You should use Firefox or
Internet Explorer. If you have further questions, or have a problem at any time with ANGEL, please
contact the ANGEL Helpdesk first – at 517-355-2345.
i>clicker 2. An i>clicker2 remote is required for in-class participation and voting in this
course. You may purchase the remote through the bookstore. When purchasing your
clicker, be sure to tell the bookstore you are in my class and you are using i>clicker2 – NOT
the original i>clicker. Instructions for using i>clicker2 are at the back of the remote. You
will need i>clicker2 for answering numeric/alphanumeric questions in my course, but you
can also use i>clicker2 in those classes where the original i>clicker (which allows for
multiple choice entry only) is required. The i>clicker2 remote features an LCD screen,
which will provide you additional vote confirmation. Almost always, the frequency should
be set to “AA” – if different, I will inform you at the beginning of class to change it.
Note: If you have an original i>clicker and you are upgrading to i>clicker2, you may use a mail-in rebate
form found on this site:
http://iclicker.com/dnn/Ordering/MichiganStateUniversityRebate/tabid/262/Default.aspx
*Be sure to keep your receipt for i>clicker2 and your original i>clicker to take advantage of this rebate.
If you need technical support for i>clicker or i>clicker2, please contact (866) 209-5698 or via email
support@iclicker.com from 9AM-11PM EST, M-F. The i>clicker website www.iclicker.com) also has
support documentation, video tutorials, and FAQs for students.
GRADING AND ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING
Attendance Policy and Class Participation
Attendance is “not mandatory,” but lack of attendance will result in a decrease in grade. I>clickers will
be used to gather feedback and “check-in” throughout the course. You will be expected to be actively
participating in lectures and providing clicker responses throughout the course. This includes answering
questions verbally as well as providing input through the clicker system. You will receive credit for up to
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
Page 2 of 7
20 days of participation (gathered via iClicker only), via a check-in at the beginning of the class. If you
miss the beginning of the class check-in, you are still expected to participate, but you will not receive
credit. The days in which you can receive credit for participating are listed on your syllabus, denoted by
an “x” in the right-most column. At least 20 of these days marked with an “x” you will need to bring your
clicker to class, in order to receive credit. No make-ups will be given. There are no excused absences. If
you miss a class, there are many more that you can get the points for participating within. You do not
need to inform me if you will not be coming to class. The only time you should inform me if you will be
missing class is if it is the day of the midterm or final exam; in which case, a valid university-approved
excuse will be needed in order to provide a make-up assessment. With 20 days of possible credit to be
earned, at 2 points apiece, there is a total of 40 points to be earned – which is 10% of your overall grade.
APA Formatting Exercise
On Wednesday, January 25th, we will have an in-class activity where you will be asked to
format a block of text and information into appropriate APA format. You will need to
have perused and be familiar with the OWL website that is maintained by Purdue
University on proper APA formatting and style. You will be placed into groups for this
activity, in order to work as a group to critique and help each other finish the
assignment. You will each be responsible for submitting your own work, however (so as
to avoid the natural inclination in groups to allow one or a few members to do all the work). The
document, after being properly formatted, will be submitted to a drop box on the ANGEL course site
within 48 hours of the end of class. It is HIGHLY recommended that you bring a laptop computer to class
on this day. This formatting exercise is worth 20 points, which is 5% of your total grade. Grading will be
determined by rubric, as presented on ANGEL. Late submissions will be accepted, at a reduced grade of
2 points off per day that it is late. This policy begins the day after it is due (i.e. if it is due on Tuesday,
when submitted on Wednesday or any day after, -2 points per day).
Group Project on Human Development
The norm for most undergraduate students is to sell-back the course textbook in order to recoup some
of the funds spent on their education. Unfortunately, this leaves the student without the information
that they have spent they semester learning, leaving the student to rely solely on their knowledge or
notes for future reference. In an effort to retain the information in a more succinct, readily available
format, a project will be completed by groups within the course that will culminate into a portfolio of
information to be distributed to each student. The groups will all be assigned a specific topic, and will be
asked to write a two-page, double spaced paper in proper APA format that will contribute to this
portfolio. This will occur twice, culminating in the final portfolio that the
instructor will converge into a single document to be distributed at the
end of the semester. This project will be worth 20 points per paper,
resulting in 40 total points, which is 10% of your final grade. Grading will
be determined by rubric, as presented on ANGEL. Late submissions will
be accepted, at a reduced grade of 2 points off per day that it is late. This
policy begins the day after it is due (i.e. if it is due on Tuesday, when
submitted on Wednesday or any day after, -2 points per day).
Quizzes
There are five quizzes, 20 questions and are worth a total of 20 points
each. Quizzes are administered within the ANGEL web system, scored
electronically and automatically input to your gradebook. You will be
able to see your result immediately. There are no make-up tests or
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
Page 3 of 7
quizzes without an approved excuse. Quizzes total 100 points of your overall score in the course, which
is 25% of your grade. Quizzes will always open on a Monday and to close on the following Wednesday at
Midnight. They will be time-limited with only ONE submission allowed. You will have 30 minutes to
complete the quiz. They will be comprised of multiple choice questions, true/false and may contain
matching items.
Midterm Exam
The midterm exam will cover chapters 1-10, the syllabus, and supplemental materials (APA Formatting,
and readings for guest lecture on human diversity). The test will be constructed with multiple choice
questions, true/false and matching style items. A study guide will be provided on the Friday before the
exam date that will include a list of keywords to help guide the studying process. The midterm exam is
worth 100 points, which equates to 25% of your overall grade in the course. The midterm exam will be
administered via the ANGEL system, online. You will be excused from class the day of the exam, and may
take the midterm at any point on the day it is assigned. The exam will become available on ANGEL at
8am the day it is listed on the course calendar. You will have until 12midnight that night to complete the
exam. The exam is timed, at 80 minutes, and you can only enter it ONCE. If you enter and leave, your
exam will be submitted and you will not get a second chance. Be sure to have a secure, reliable
connection to the internet, and use a reliable computer when taking the exam. It is recommended that
you use a computer lab on campus.
Final Exam
The final exam is not cumulative and will only cover
chapters 11-18 and supplemental materials (readings for
guest lecture on parenting and the readings for the violence
lecture). The test will be constructed the same as the
midterm with multiple choice questions, true/false and
matching style items. A study guide will be provided on the
Friday before the exam date that will include a list of
keywords to help guide the studying process. The final exam
is worth 100 points, which equates to 25% of your overall
grade in the course. The final exam will be administered via
the ANGEL system, online. You will be excused from class
the day of the exam, and may take the final at any point on
the day it is assigned. The exam will become available on ANGEL at 8am the day it is listed on the course
calendar. You will have until 12midnight that night to complete the exam. The exam is timed, at 120
minutes, and you can only enter it ONCE. If you enter and leave, your exam will be submitted and you
will not get a second chance. Be sure to have a secure, reliable connection to the internet, and use a
reliable computer when taking the exam. It is recommended that you use a computer lab on campus.
Grade Appeals
You have ONE WEEK to appeal any grade in the course. To appeal a grade, you
must present your case to the instructor via Email, with proof and evidence of
why you feel as though you deserve a better grade. This may include quotes
from the book, or research published in journals. You may also speak with the
instructor after or before class, although you must still present evidence to
prove your grade appeal valid.
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
Page 4 of 7
Summary of Grading Components
Number of
Times Assessed
20
1
2
5
1
1
Grading Component
iClicker Participation
APA Formatting Exercise
Group Project on Human Development
Quizzes
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
x
x
x
x
x
x
Points
Possible
2
20
20
20
100
100
=
=
=
=
=
=
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE FOR CLASS:
Grading Scale
Percent
92.5
86.5
81.5
76.5
71.5
66.5
61.5
61.4 ↓
Point Range
369.5+
345.5-369.4
325.5-345.4
305.5-325.4
285.5-305.4
265.5-285.4
246.5-264.4
246.4 ↓
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Total
Points
Possible
40
20
40
100
100
100
400
% of
Total
Grade
10%
5%
10%
25%
25%
25%
100%
Grade
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
New Online SIRS Information
MSU has redesigned the SIRS system, and added incentives for rating this course. Those who complete the online SIRS form will
have access to their course grade on StuInfo immediately, those who do not will have to wait one week to view their grade.
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
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-- Course Outline and Topics for Lecture --
Day/Date
Monday
January 9, 2012
Wednesday
January 11, 2012
Monday
January 16, 2012
Wednesday
January 18, 2012
Monday
January 23, 2012
Wednesday
January 25, 2012
Friday
January 27, 2012
Monday
January 30, 2012
Wednesday
February 1, 2012
Monday
February 6, 2012
Wednesday
February 8, 2012
Monday
February 13, 2012
Wednesday
February 15, 2012
Monday
February 20, 2012
Wednesday
February 22, 2012
Monday
February 27, 2012
Wednesday
February 29, 2012
Monday
March 5, 2012
Wednesday
March 7, 2012
Monday
March 12, 2012
Belous, C. K.
Class Topic
Introduction to Course
Human Development
Theories, Pt 1
Readings to Have Read
by START of Class
Syllabus
iClicker
Checkin Day
Assignments
Quiz One Opens
Ch. 2 pgs. 34-46
MLK Day, Class Canceled
Human Development
Theories, Pt 2
Research Methods
Ch. 2 pgs. 47-62
APA Formatting Project
Purdue OWL Website
X
Ch. 1
X
Quiz One Closes
X
Formatting Project due to Dropbox by 5pm
**NOT A NORMAL CLASS DAY – DUE DATE ONLY**
Reproduction, Heredity
and Prenatal
Development
Movie: Life’s Greatest
Miracle
The First Two Years
Ch. 3
Quiz Two Opens
X
Quiz Two Closes
X
Ch. 4, 5
X
Ch. 6
Early Childhood
X
Ch. 7, 8
Group Project #1 Day
Quiz Three Opens
X
Quiz Three Closes
Middle Childhood
Ch. 9
Guest Lecture
Human Diversity
Bullying
Readings may be
assigned on ANGEL
Ch. 10
X
Group Project #1 Due
X
X
X
Midterm Exam
Spring Break!!
Puberty and the
Teenage Years
Ch. 11
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
X
Page 6 of 7
Wednesday
March 14, 2012
Monday
March 19, 2012
Wednesday
March 21, 2012
Monday
March 26, 2012
Wednesday
March 28, 2012
Monday
April 2, 2012
Wednesday
April 4, 2012
Monday
April 9, 2012
Wednesday
April 11, 2012
Monday
April 16, 2012
Wednesday
April 18, 2012
Monday
April 23, 2012
Wednesday
April 25, 2012
Sexual Development
Ch. 12
Early Adulthood –
Personal Changes
Key Life Events in
Adulthood
Guest Lecture
Parenting
Midlife Issues
Ch. 13
Quiz Four Opens
Ch. 14
Quiz Four Closes
X
X
x
Readings may be
assigned on ANGEL
Ch. 15
Movie: American
Beauty, pt. 1
Movie: American
Beauty, pt. 2
Violence in
Development
Group Project #2 Day
Aging
X
X
X
X
Readings may be
assigned on ANGEL
Quiz Five Opens
X
Quiz Five Closes
Ch. 17
X
Group Project #2 Due
X
X
Death and Dying
Ch. 18
Review, HDFS and the
Future, Course Wrap-Up
X
Final Group Project
Distributed to Course
X
Final Exam
Thursday, May 3, 2012
10:00am-12:00noon
Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated in this course. If you are caught
cheating, copying, plagiarizing, or in any other way presenting work that is not your own
original thoughts, you will be held to the highest standard of discipline, including but not
limited to a failing grade for the assignment or course. Utilizing the allmsu.com, koofers.com
or Facebook - or any other social networking site - for the purpose of academic dishonesty is
strictly prohibited. Full definitions of academic dishonesty, as well as the MSU Guidelines are
located at: https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/honestylinks.html
Belous, C. K.
Syllabus – HDFS 225(2)
Spring 2012
Page 7 of 7