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FS 5003 Lifespan Development
Texas Woman’s University
Department of Family Sciences
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
Fall 2012
Professor:
Email:
Office:
Phone:
Office Hours:
Dr. Rhonda R. Buckley
RBuckley@twu.edu
HDB 308-B
940-898-3152
By appointment on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 2pm-4pm
Course Description
Examination of similarities and differences in conceptions of behavior throughout the lifespan;
emphasis on development in the context of family; includes 15 hours of directed observation. Credit
hours: 3
Goals and Outcomes:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Goals
Learning Outcome
Assignment
Thorough understanding of
theories of individual and
family development and
transitions across the life
span. II.G,3.a
Thorough understanding of
theories of learning,
including frameworks and
strategies for exceptional
abilities and differentiated
interventions. II.G,3.b.e
Thorough understanding of
theories of personality
development, including
current understandings of
neurological behavior.
II.G.3.e, f
Identification of theories
and models of individual,
cultural, couple, family,
and community resilience.
II.G.3.d
Identification of theories
that facilitate optimal
human development and
wellness over the life span.
II.G.3.f, h
Identify and discuss key theories of
human development. Apply
conceptualization to observation
exercises. Respond to test items
covering theories.
Identify and discuss key theories of
learning. Apply conceptualization
to observation exercises. Respond
to test items covering theories.
Discussion/Participation
Observation Summaries
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Identify and discuss current theories
of personality development and
behavior. Respond to test items
covering theories.
Discussion/Participation
Observation Summaries
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Identify and discuss theories and
models of human resilience.
Respond to test items covering
theories.
Discussion/Participation
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Identify and discuss theories for
facilitating development and
wellness over the life span. Apply
conceptualization to observation
exercises. Respond to test items
covering theories.
Discussion/Participation
Observation Summaries
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Discussion/Participation
Observation Summaries
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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State Standards and Professional Guidelines Alignment
In this course, emphasis will be placed on the following domains and ExCET competencies:
Competency 001: Human Development
More information on al ExCET competencies may be found at the following websites:
http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/
http://excet.nesinc.com/
Required Texts
The Developing Person Through the Lifespan, 7th edition by Kathleen Berger from Worth
Publications.
The textbook listed above is required for students who wish to be successful in this course. The
instructor has no knowledge regarding other editions of the textbook and cannot give advice
regarding the use of any edition other than the one listed above.
Each student is responsible for acquiring his/her own copy of the required textbooks. The instructor
cannot lend a copy to any student. Students are encouraged to seek copies of the textbooks from
bookstores and online resources.
Additional Required Readings:
Chapters from a book by Pellegrini discussing how to conduct observations and interviews are
included in the Blackboard course shell. Although you will not be tested on these chapters, they will
be very important for you to utilize in your observation assignments.
Course meetings
Course interaction will occur through Blackboard (Internet interface), http://online.twu.edu or
http://twu.blackboard.com
This course is 100% online utilizing Blackboard (Bb). For more information about this platform, go
to the TWU website (www.twu.edu) and read entries on Distance Learning, Blackboard, etc.
For technical assistance, contact the TWU Helpdesk (940-898-3971 or helpdesk@twu.edu) or go to
the MegaLab, 2nd floor of MCL
All assignments and course documents will be accessed and submitted via the Blackboard course
shell; therefore students are responsible for knowing how to utilize the Blackboard shell. As a
graduate student enrolled at TWU the expectations placed upon you are high. Education at this
level is not a passive process. You are expected to demonstrate your understanding of the material
and, additionally, demonstrate a higher level of critical thinking about the assigned readings and
topics of discussion. Your assigned readings and assignments are designed to stretch the current
limits of your thinking. In order for you to make high grades, you must articulate critical thinking
about assigned topics, use proper grammar and sentence structure and show a mastery of APA
guidelines.
Course Objectives
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• To compare and contrast historical and current conceptions of human development and
behavior
• To analyze and apply key concepts of current theories of human development to
development across the lifespan
• To learn to use effective observation/interview procedures
• To relate current theory and information concerning lifespan development to the family and
to societal and cultural characteristics
• Learn to use library resources, journals, and other professional publications for
understanding developmental issues as related to family systems
To
become aware of and understand the developmental focus related to development through
•
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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the life cycle
To be aware of and understand how the developmental process may influence the
individual’s emotional state
•
Course Requirements
1. Read text and/or any other reading assignments as they are assigned.
2. Successfully complete each of the requirements listed below.
a) Discussion Boards: 6 w/variable points each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55pts
b) Observation Reports: 5 @ 50 points each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250pts
c) Midterm Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100pts
d) Final Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100pts
Total points possible: 505pts
Assignment List:
Grading Scale: A = 90% - 100%; B = 80% - 89%; C = 70% - 79%; D = 60% - 69%; F = 59%
and below
NOTE: there will be no rounding up to the nearest percentage on your final grades
Course Requirement Details
Students must follow the instructions for each assignment very carefully. Students who
produce minimum work will earn minimum points for each of these assignments.
No extra credit will be offered in this course. Students are strongly encouraged to focus their
time and energies on the assignments listed below.
Discussion Boards: Students will be required to complete 6 Discussion Boards this semester. Your
answers must be posted in the Discussion Board Forums found in Blackboard. The instructions for
each of these assignments are posted in the individual DB forums. In addition, students should
follow the instructions carefully. As a reminder, websites are NOT acceptable to use as sources of
information for any of these assignments. Each Discussion Board is worth varying points (6
Discussion Boards = 55 points). Refer to the course schedule for specific due dates. No late work will
be accepted.
Observations. Students will be required to complete 15 hours of observation in natural settings for
assigned developmental levels. Students will provide written summaries of these observations for the
following developmental levels:
•
•
•
•
•
Obs 1: Infant/toddler (3 hours)
Obs 2: School-Age (3 hours)
Obs 3: Adolescence (3 hours)
Obs 4: Middle-Adulthood (3 hours)
Obs 5: Elderly (3 hours)
Students should locate natural settings for these observations (e.g., child care settings, playgrounds,
malls, senior centers, movie theatres, restaurants, etc.) in which there exists a strong potential for
individuals in the assigned developmental levels to participate. Students should observe each
developmental level for three hours (all at once or in increments), focusing on one specific domain of
development for each assignment, and then complete a written summary.
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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Students should include the following in each observation assignment:
•
•
•
Statement of the focal developmental domain for this observation and description of the
typical skills, abilities and/or stages one would expect to see in this age group. Be sure to
ground this discussion in developmental theory using academic sources – websites are NOT
acceptable sources for any assignment in this class.
Detailed descriptions of behaviors, activities, interactions that you observe.
Assessment of the development of the individual(s) observed in this domain – are they
developing typically, atypically? Ground this discussion in developmental, theoretical and
empirical evidence from your observations. Again, websites are NOT acceptable sources for
any assignment in this class.
For specific guidance on how to conduct observational research, be sure to read the Pellegrini
chapters found in the course shell. Each observation summary is worth 50 points (5 observations @
50 points = 250 points). Refer to the course schedule for specific due dates. No late work will be
accepted.
Mid-Term Exam. A mid-term exam focusing on the course readings will be taken at approximately
mid-semester. This exam will cover the first half of the semester (specific chapters are indicated on
the schedule). If you miss this exam, you will receive a 0, so plan ahead. Computer problems will not
be accepted as a legitimate excuse for not attempting the exam during the appropriate time period. If
you have computer problems during the exam, contact the TWU HelpDesk to document this
problem. Once you have the HelpDesk Worker’s name and your HelpDesk Ticket Number, email
that information to your instructor. If it is confirmed by the TWU HelpDesk that being locked-out
of your exam was NOT your fault, and an adjustment is warranted, it will be made. Do not expect an
immediate response. Your instructor is not connected to email 24/7. Remember, once you start the
exam, you must finish it in one sitting (i.e., you can’t save your answers and go back late to finish the
exam). You must work on the exam ALONE – i.e., you may not solicit help from a classmate or
friend. This exam will have a variable number of questions and has the potential to have any and all
question types (e.g., essay, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, fill in blank). This exam will be
worth 100 points. Mid-term exam = 100points. Refer to the course schedule for the specific due
date.
Final Exam. A final exam focusing on the course readings will be taken at the end of the semester.
This exam will cover the second half of the semester (specific chapters are indicated on the
schedule). If you miss this exam, you will receive a 0, so plan ahead. Computer problems will not be
accepted as a legitimate excuse for not attempting the exam during the appropriate time period. If
you have computer problems during the exam, contact the TWU HelpDesk to document this
problem. Once you have the HelpDesk Worker’s name and your HelpDesk Ticket Number, email
that information to your instructor. If it is confirmed by the TWU HelpDesk that being locked-out
of your exam was NOT your fault, and an adjustment is warranted, it will be made. Do not expect an
immediate response. Your instructor is not connected to email 24/7. Remember, once you start the
exam, you must finish it in one sitting (i.e., you can’t save your answers and go back late to finish the
exam). You must work on the exam ALONE – i.e., you may not solicit help from a classmate or
friend. This exam will have a variable number of questions and has the potential to have any and all
question types (e.g., essay, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, fill in blank). This exam will be
worth 100 points. Final exam = 100points. Refer to the course schedule for the specific due date.
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FS 5003 Lifespan Development
Assignment
Learning Outcome
1)
Discussion/Participation
2)
Observation Summaries
3)
Mid-Term Exam
4)
Final Exam
Demonstrate integration and
understanding of key theories of
human development, learning,
personality development,
resilience, and optimal
development and wellness over the
life span.
Demonstrate knowledge of course
material through application and
conceptualization of key theories
and models of human
development.
Demonstrate integration and
understanding of course material
through correctly responding to
test items.
Demonstrate integration and
understanding of course material
through correctly responding to
test items.
CACREP
Standards
II.G.3.a, b, e, f,
d, h
Points
II.G.3.a, b, d., e,
f, h
250 pts.
II.G.3.a, b, d., e,
f, h
100 pts.
II.G.3.a, b, d., e,
f, h
100 pts.
55 pts.
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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Policies & Procedures
Academic Integrity
“Academic integrity is the foundation of the academic community. Because each student has the
primary responsibility for being academically honest, students are responsible for reading and
understanding all sections in the Student Handbook relating to standards of conduct and academic life”
(Texas Woman’s University General Catalog 2005-2007, p. 97).
Honesty in completing assignments is essential to the mission of the university and to the
development of the personal integrity of the student. Cheating, plagiarism, or other kinds of
academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that may include
failing an assignment, failing the class, or being suspended or expelled. The written assignments for
this course will be submitted for review using Turnitin software. Suspected cases of plagiarism or
dishonesty in this course will be reported to Student Life. The specific disciplinary process for
academic dishonesty is found in the TWU Student Handbook. Tools to help you avoid plagiarism
are available through the TWU Libraries’ “Quick Links” under “Research Help”
http://www.twu.edu/library/literacy/index.htm
“Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, falsification, and falsifying
academic records and other acts intentionally designed to provide unfair advantage to the student,
and/or the attempt to commit such acts. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, intentionally giving
or receiving unauthorized aid or notes on examinations, papers, or class assignments intended to be
individually completed. Plagiarism occurs when a student obtains portions or elements of someone
else's work and presents those ideas or words as her or his own academic work. Collusion occurs
when a student collaborates with another person without authorization when preparing an
assignment. Fabrication occurs when a student makes up data or results and records or reports them.
Falsification occurs when a student manipulates research materials, equipment or processes or
changes or omits results such that the research is not accurately reflected in the research record.
Falsifying academic records includes, but is not limited to, altering grades or other academic records”
(Texas Woman’s University Student Handbook & Planner 2005-2006, p. 133). Please refer to the Student
Handbook for additional information.
TWU Disability Services Statement
Texas Woman’s University seeks to provide reasonable appropriate academic adjustments for all
qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to register with and
provide medical verification and academic schedules to Disability Support Services (DSS) at the
beginning of each semester and no later than the second week of school unless otherwise determined
by the coordinator. If students anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet the
requirements of this course, you must register with the office of Disability Support Services (CFO
106, 940-898-3835, dss@twu.edu) in order to obtain the required official notification of your
accommodations needs. Please plan to meet with your instructor by appointment during office
hours to discuss approved accommodations and how course requirements and activities may
impact your ability to fully participate.
Family Sciences Diversity Policy
The concept of diversity implies a total commitment to an open context that promotes equality,
social tolerance, and the right to express different points of view. The Family Sciences Department
practices and celebrates diversity and creates a culture characterized by a climate of inclusion rather
than exclusion, where people are involved in working together for a common good. Diversity refers
to the inclusion of all persons regardless of their differences. These differences include but are not
limited to ethnicity, race, culture, gender, age, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, and
physical disability. The Family Sciences Department does not condone discrimination in any form
and complies with Texas Woman’s University Non-Discrimination Policy. The faculty actively seek
enrichment through the strength, power, and wisdom of diversity.
Incomplete/Drop/Withdrawal Policy
Incompletes should be rarely needed in graduate classes. We expect graduate students to complete the
requirements of a course in the semester specified or drop the course and re-take it later. The
University has specific policies regarding eligibility for Incompletes. Students are expected to consult
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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with the Student Handbook and/or Office of Student Life for those specific requirements. Any
student who does not meet the basic University requirements will not be granted an incomplete
regardless of his/her perceived need.
Please take note of the last date to drop this course (see TWU Academic Calendar on the web); all
paperwork is the responsibility of the student. If you submit drop or withdraw paperwork, keep a
photocopy for your own records.
To drop a course:
Contact the Family Sciences main office in HDB 115 and the Office of Lifelong Learning to secure
help in executing the forms. Once the paperwork has been completed, confirm with the Registrar’s
office (940-898-3036).
To withdraw from all courses: Contact Student Life at 940-898-3615.
Students who are failing and withdraw from this course after the last day to drop without penalty will
receive a grade of "WF". Please check the University's Academic Calendar for all dates related to
dropping/withdrawing from courses.
Submission of Work
As stated previously, as a student at Texas Woman’s University the expectations placed upon you are
high. Education at this level in your academic career is an active process. You are expected to
demonstrate your understanding of the material and, additionally, demonstrate a higher level of critical
thinking about the assigned readings and topics of discussion. Your assignments are designed to
expand the current limits of your thinking. In order for you to make high grades, you must articulate
critical thinking about assigned topics, use proper grammar and sentence structure, show a working
knowledge of APA guidelines, and submit work in a timely manner.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Each substantiated plagiarized sentence found within an
assignment will result in a ten point deduction from the assignment grade (example, if there
are 4 plagiarized sentences in one assignment, 40 points will automatically be deducted from the
assignment grade). In addition, Student Life will be contacted to begin Code of Conduct violation
procedures. No exceptions will be made.
Turnitin will be used to assess a variety of assignments in this class. Students are encouraged to learn
more about Turnitin through the TWU support websites.
Websites are not appropriate sources for ANY assignments in this course. If students use websites as
sources, the content of their work will automatically lose points. Students should utilize the TWU
Library to access academic peer-reviewed journal articles to use as source materials for all assignments.
When the instructor or the syllabus states that something is “worth” x points, that means that
students may earn that many points at most, if students do an exceptionally good job. Students will
not necessarily earn all the possible points just because they submit an assignment.
All work is to be submitted on or before the due date. No late work is accepted. Students are
strongly encouraged to work ahead to avoid problems around due dates.
No assignments will be accepted via email. If students send an assignment via email, it will
not be opened or graded. The Blackboard shell is designed to accept assignments, the instructor's
email box is not.
If Blackboard is ever down, please contact the TWU HelpDesk for assistance and send a message
(without your assignment attached!) to the instructor to let her know that Blackboard is down. Once
Blackboard is working properly again you will be expected to upload your assignments as soon as
possible. No student will be penalized if the TWU HelpDesk confirms Blackboard was dysfunctional
at the time assignments are due.
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
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Students who do not follow the instructions of assignments will earn a zero for those assignments.
No exceptions. When saving files to be uploaded for assignments, closely follow the TWU
HelpDesk’s instructions regarding how to appropriately name files. If you upload a file that will not
open, you will receive a zero for that assignment. If you have need of assistance, contact the
TWU HelpDesk.
Students are responsible for uploading files properly prior to the due date and time. The file
students upload will be the file that will be graded, therefore students are strongly
encouraged to check to make sure they are uploading the proper file. For any questions
regarding naming and uploading files, please contact the TWU HelpDesk.
Final grades in this class will be based upon: (1) student performance on all assignments, and (2)
student performance on scheduled exams.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), 6th ed., is to be used for
submitted work (e.g., writing style, reference citations and list). All work must be: typed using a 12pt,
Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins, double-spaced. In addition, all written work (e.g.,
papers, essay exams) must use proper grammar, sentence structure and spelling. Points will be
deducted from all assignments that do not fit this criterion.
Communication through electronic mail is to be clearly identified with your name and purpose. For
example, the subject line of the electronic mail should resemble the following: FS 5003_Smith_Quiz2
All students are expected to have access to computers and email. TWU provides free email accounts
to all students and computer labs are available on campus. Contact Information Technology Services for
further information (940) 898-3971.
All students are expected to know their Blackboard login and password and will be expected to
regularly view the Blackboard site for this class. Many messages and updates will be posted on this
site. In addition, if an emergency arises and the class schedule must be altered, students must check
the Blackboard site for updates, announcements and alternate assignments.
These policies and procedures are non-negotiable and apply to all students. The instructor will not
engage in negotiations with students regarding any of these policies. Students who choose to remain
enrolled in this course accept that they will be held to the standards and policies set forth in this
syllabus.
Scroll down for tentative course schedule
9
FS 5003 Lifespan Development
*Tentative Course Schedule: FS 5003 Lifespan Development
All Assignments & Exams Due: 11pm CST
Week
Week 1
8/27-8/31
Week 2
9/3-9/7
Week 3
9/10-9/14
Week 4
9/17-9/21
Week 5
9/24/9/28
Week 6
10/1-10/5
Week 7
10/8-10/12
Week 8
10/15-10/19
Week 9
10/22-10/26
Week 10
10/29-11/2
Week 11
11/5-11/9
Week 12
11/12-11/16
Week 13
11/19-11/23
Week 14
11/26-11/30
Week 15
12/3-12/7
Assignments
Readings:
Course Syllabus, Course Shell, Textbook Introductions & All
assignment instructions
DB 1: due 8/31
Readings:
Berger Chs. 1-2
Readings:
Berger Ch. 3-4
Observation 1 Due 9/11
Readings:
Berger Ch. 4-5
DB 2: due 9/18
Readings:
Berger Ch. 5-6
Observation 2 Due 9/25
Readings:
Berger Ch. 7-8
DB 3: due 10/2
Readings:
Berger Ch. 9-10
Readings:
Berger Ch. 11-12
Midterm Exam Due 10/16 covers Berger Ch. 1-12
Readings:
Berger Chs. 13-15
DB 4: due 10/23
Readings:
Observation 3 Due 10/30
Readings:
Berger Ch. 16-17
DB 5: due 11/6
Readings:
Berger Ch. 18-19
Observation 4 Due 11/13
Thanksgiving Holidays
Readings:
Berger Ch. 20-23
DB 6: due 11/27
Readings:
Berger Chs. 24-25
Observation 5 Due 12/4
Week 16
12/10-12/14
Final Exam Due 12/11 covers Berger Ch. 13-25
*Changes to this schedule may be made by the instructor as needed