Psychology 3313, Human Growth and Development Lifespan
Spring Semester, 2015
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
COURSE SEQUENCE IN CURRICULUM AND PREREQUISITE INFORMATION
An upper level psychology elective, this course is designed to emphasize the continuity of human
development throughout the life span. The interrelationships among physical, cognitive and
psychosocial development will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 1313 or equivalent)
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Name:
Dr. Amanda, LMSW, PhD
HBU email:
aford@hbu.edu;
Office Hours:
by appointment
Phone:
713-478-6126
Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do
not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your
performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to
discuss course topics. Feel free to speak to me before or after class or to email me.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Required Text: Feldman, Robert S. (2011). Development Across the Life Span, 7 edition. New York:
Pearson. ISBN 978-0-205-98935-5; ISBN-10: 0-205-98935-7
Required online companion website: www.myvirtualchild.com
Companion Website: www.mydevelopmentlab.com (MyPsychLab)
Course Name: PSYC 3313: Human Growth & Development
Course ID: ford25793
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Overview/ purpose of the course: A developmental psychology course designed to provide an
understanding of human behavior and characteristics from conception through death. This course
includes information on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout the lifespan. Theory,
research, and applications are covered.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the science of psychology.
2.
Recognize the key role that psychology plays in our lives and those around us.
3.
Discuss the basic principles of psychology knowledgeably. .
4.
Have some understanding of the scientific method and how it applies to psychological research.
5.
Verify knowledge of course materials and acquired skills by completing assignments and earning
passing grades.
RELATION TO DEPARTMENTAL GOALS AND PURPOSES
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to develop a level of expertise in a
particular field; improve critical-thinking skills and the ability to articulate difficult concepts, theories, and
arguments; and provide a setting that fosters an appreciation for education and encourages students to learn
more about the world in which they live. More importantly, as with all other courses in the College or Arts
and Humanities, this course should encourage students to use the knowledge and skills they gain to improve
the human condition, strengthen the bonds of society, govern wisely, and live well.
RELATION TO COLLEGE GOALS AND PURPOSES
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to develop a level of expertise in a
particular field; improve critical-thinking skills and the ability to articulate difficult concepts, theories, and
arguments; and provide a setting that fosters an appreciation for education and encourages students to learn
more about the world in which they live. More importantly, as with all other courses at the University, this
course should encourage students to use the knowledge and skills they gain to improve the human condition,
strengthen the bonds of society, govern wisely, and live well.
RELATION TO THE PURPOSE STATEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
This course on politics reflects the values of the University Ten Pillar Vision by building on the classics,
increasing our cultural impact, renewing our community, and allowing students to see the connection
between theory and application. The course, like all courses in the Department of Psychology, is founded on
the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and our Christian faith shapes our worldview, personal values, and desire
to serve others.
ATTENDANCE
Please see the official Attendance Policy in the HBU Classroom Policy on Blackboard. Students missing more
than 25% of the class will be given a failing grade. This includes excused absences. So for this course, that
means that you may not miss more than 12 classes – including athletics. It is your responsibility to keep
track of your absences and tardies to insure they do not become excessive.
Tardies – You are expected to be on time to class. Your best chance of success is to attend class. And
being punctual to class is an important element of attendance. Late arrival is disruptive to other
students as well as instruction.
Attendance will be taken at 8 a.m. daily. 3 tardies = 1 absence. To prevent your tardy from
becoming an absence, immediately after class you must turn into me a written explanation as to why
you were late. If it is a doctor’s excuse or some other university excuse from a staff or faculty member,
I will excuse the tardy. Otherwise it will count toward your overall absences.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Students needing learning accommodations should inform the professor immediately and consult the
Academic Accommodations section of the HBU Classroom Policy posted on Blackboard.
TEACHING STRATEGIES
Teaching methods may include class discussion, lectures, demonstrations, projections, videos, written reports
and small/large group activities. Students are encouraged to participate by asking questions, giving
examples, offering opinions and sharing thoughts/ideas about the material.
TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Preparation of lectures, discussions, and exercises
b. Facilitation of an effective learning environment
c. Preparation of class assignments and exams
d. Evaluation and prompt feedback on exams, assignments and class participation
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Attending class and participating in discussion
B. Reading and comprehending the text. Studying for exams.
C. Completing required assignments and exams
D. Asking for help when there is a question or problem
E. Keeping copies of all paperwork, including: the syllabus, handouts, and all returned exams and
assignments
F. Listening in class. Taking notes when appropriate & obtaining notes from classmates for days when absent.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADE SCALE
Assignments: There will be 10 assignments given throughout the semester, each worth 10 points. These 10
assignments will be worth 10% of your grade. Some of the assignments will be completed in class; some will
be completed outside of class. If you are not in attendance for an in-class assignment, there will be no
makeup and you will receive a 0. If you have an excused absence, you can submit responses to the group
questions in writing.
Exams: There will be four in-class exams given in this course. Each exam will consist of 50 multiple choice
questions. Students are required to bring a scantron and a pencil on the test days. The lowest of the first 3
exams can be dropped. The 4th and final/last exam may not be dropped. Each of the 3 remaining exams is
worth 65% of your total grade. The final/last exam is NOT comprehensive.
No make-up exams will be given. It is advisable to take all in-class exams at the scheduled time.
However, since your lowest grade will be dropped, you will be able to drop the zero for the test you
missed. Since only one grade will be dropped, be careful to miss no more than one test.
Virtual Life Reports and Journal Article Report: This writing requirement will comprise the final 25% of
your grade. There are 5 written assignments. Each report is worth 20 points. The total of the 5 reports is
worth 25% of your grade (or the equivalent of 1 test grade). The assignment is NOT optional and may not
be used as one of the dropped test scores.
At www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com , you will access MyDevelopmentLab which will provide you
with access to MyVirtualLife, as well as various study materials. Your Virtual Child assignments will
be noted on BlackBoard, but will be completed and submitted through MyPsychLab. An access code
is required for MyPsychLab. If you purchase your textbook through the HBU bookstore, the access
code is included.
The Course Name is PSYC 3313: Human Growth & Development
The Course ID is ford25793
VC Report: You will raise a child from conception to age 18 through the first half of the MyVirtualLife
program found on www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com. Your virtual child (VC) will develop along
with the area that we are studying based on the parameters that you define. (This is similar to SIMS
or Nanopets). Throughout your VC’s development, you will be examining the various developmental
issues at each age.
You will be required to write 4 reports on your VC at 4 designated developmental milestones. Report
parameters will be found on Blackboard along with the grading rubric for each report. The content of
your VC Report will be reflected from the following chapters:
VC Report 1- Infants and Toddlers- Chs 1-6
VC Report 2- Early Childhood - Chs 7-10
VC Report 3- Mid Childhood - Chs 11-14
VC Report 4- Adolescence - Chs 15-19
Journal Article Report: For the final portion of the class (early adulthood through death and dying),
you will need to find a journal article that deals with developmental issues for this age group
discussed in your textbook or lectures.
1. Find and summarize a recent journal article that illustrates, exemplifies, or pertains to one of the
developmental phenomena, theories, processes, issues, or research findings discussed in class for
early adulthood and beyond. Journals are available through the Moody Library website.
2. Briefly explain the developmental phenomenon, theory, process, issue or research finding described
in item 1.
3. Explain why the relevance of the journal article to what you have learned in this class. Does the
information support or contradict or further enlighten the presented information? You may also
include any personal experience or observation.
Each report must meet the following requirements:
 maximum of 3 double-spaced typed pages
 12-point Times New Roman font
 1” margins.
 Article/source included
 Your grade will depend on your organization and use of prescribed format, paper based on concept
from appropriate chapter, your understanding and application of concept, grammar, and mechanics
GRADES
Your final course grade will be calculated according to the following formula:
Best 3 out of 4 tests* (100 points each; 300 points total)
5 written reports (20 points each; 100 points total)
10 assignments (10 points each; 100 points total)
65%
25%
10%
*Student’s lowest grade (except for the final test) will be dropped
The final percentage value resulting from the sum of the above components will be converted into
letter grades according to the following scale:
A = 90-100
D = 60-69
B = 80-89
F = Below 60
C = 70-79
EXTRA CREDIT:
1.
There will be various opportunities available throughout the semester for extra credit points. These are
due on the assigned date in the required format. No late extra credits will be due. Extra credit will be
applied toward the applicable test. So, you cannot use your extra credit points from Test 2 towards
your grade on Test 3.
2.
Good Attendance: If you have miss no more than 1 class, I will add 2 points to your final course
average. If you miss 2 classes, I will add 1 point to your final average. More than 2 absences will not
give you any extra points. Excused absences (with documentation), may still allow extra points.
3.
Participation: Participation is defined as making pertinent comments, asking relevant questions, or
bringing to the classroom relevant materials about class topics. The quality—not just quantity—of
your participation will be taken into account. Remember this is ultimately a subjective grade.
Penalties: Respect toward all persons is expected. If a student is rude, distracting, disrespectful
and/or inattentive toward the professor or other students, that student may be asked to leave the
class and points may be deducted for participation.
Academic Honesty
Please refer to the current catalog for the university's policy and procedures regarding academic
honesty. Note that the university utilizes "Turn-It-In" and other programs to investigate possible
plagiarism activities. All major papers for this course will be submitted to the plagiarism prevention
software, Turnitin.com on or before a paper’s due date. No paper will be graded without meeting this
requirement beforehand. A separate handout will be provided to give detailed instructions on this
process which must include the class identification number and class password.
Cheating, collusion, or plagiarism in any form will result in a grade of "0" on the exam or project in
question. A second violation will result in a grade of “F” for the course.
Early Alert
As an instructor, I am committed to your success, not only in this class, but in all aspects of HBU life.
To ensure that every student takes full advantage of the educational and learning opportunities, HBU
has implemented an Academic Early Alert Referral System (EARS). If I think you would benefit from
some of these special programs or services available to you, I will make the appropriate referral. You,
in turn, will be expected to take advantage of the help offered to you. Generally, I will refer a student
to EARS after 3 absences if there has been no communication from the student regarding a reason for
those absences.
Make-up/Late work Policy:
There are no make-up tests. You can drop your lowest test grade. Late work will not be
accepted and will result in a zero for that assignment.
Student Signature – I have read and understand the syllabus for this class. I understand that the content of
this syllabus and the topical outline are subject to change at the discretion of the professor. I have read and
understand the HBU Classroom Policy posted on Black Board. I promise to uphold the Code of Academic
Integrity at Houston Baptist University and will not tolerate its violation by others.
TOPICAL OUTLINE: The content of this outline and the attached schedule are subject to change at the discretion of the
professor. All students are responsible for any schedule changes announced in class. Homework and Term Paper
Deadlines will be posted when assigned. There will be occasional quizzes and/or graded activities that are not noted on
this schedule.
DATE
Week One: January 21, 23
TOPIC
ASSIGNMENT
Syllabus/Introduction to Course
Introduction to Lifespan Development
Chapter 1
Week Two: January 26, 28, 30
Prenatal Development
Chapter 2
Week Three: February 2, 4, 6
Birth and the Newborn Infant
Chapter 3
Week Four: February 9, 11, 13
Physical Development in Infancy
Chapter 4
Week Five: February 16, 18, 20
Cognitive Development in Infancy
Chapter 5
Social & Personality in Infancy
Chapter 6
VC Discussion Group (2/20)
Week Six: February 23, 25, 27
VC Report #1 (2/23)
Exam One Review (Chapters 1-6)
EXAM ONE (February 25)
Week Seven: March 2, 4, 6
(Chapters 1-6)
Physical & Cognitive in Preschool
Chapter 7
Social & Personality in Preschool
Chapter 8
VC Discussion Group (3/6)
Week Eight: March 9, 11, 13
Physical & Cognitive in Middle Child
Chapter 9
VC Report #2 (3/11)
SPRING BREAK: MARCH 16-20
Week Nine: March 23, 25, 27
Social & Personality in Middle Child
Chapter 10
VC Discussion Group (3/23)
Exam Two Review (Chapters 7-10)
VC Report #3 (3/25)
EXAM TWO (3/27)
Week Ten: March 30; April 1
(Chapters 7-10)
Physical & Cognitive in Adolescence
Chapter 11
Social & Personality in Adolescence
Chapter 12
EASTER HOLIDAY: APRIL 3
Week Eleven: April 6, 8, 10
Physical & Cognitive in Early Adult
Chapter 13
VC Discussion Group (4/10)
Week Twelve: April 13, 15, 17
VC Report #4 (4/13)
Social & Personality in Early Adult
Chapter 14
Exam Three Review (Chapters 11-14)
EXAM THREE (4/17)
(Chapters 11-14)
Week Thirteen: April 20, 22, 24
Week Fourteen: April 27, 29; May 1
Week Fifteen: May 4, 6, 8
Physical & Cognitive in Middle Adult
Chapter 15
Social & Personality in Middle Adult
Chapter 16
Physical & Cognitive in Late Adult
Chapter 17
Social & Personality in Late Adult
Chapter 18
Death & Dying
Chapter 19
Final Exam Review
(Chapters 15-19)
EXAM FOUR (5/8)
(Chapters 15-19)
th
Journal Article Report (Due May 11 )
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM (May 12-15):
Please review the Final Exam Schedule on HBU’s website.
The content of this outline and the attached schedule are subject to change at the discretion of the professor.
Please also note these important university/academic dates:
- Last day to add a class: January 23
- Last day to drop without a “W”: February 4
- Last day to drop with a “W”: April 3
Assignments:
1-4. Virtual Child discussion groups – in-class assignment. These discussion groups will give you an opportunity to
share the progress of your virtual child with others in the class. You must have your virtual child raised to the appropriate
age (this will be verified online), and be prepared to discuss your child’s progress with your group. Attendance and
participation are mandatory on these days. If you have an excused absence, you will be required to submit responses to
the group questions in writing.
5. Dear Future Child – Hand-written letter to future child. Assignment directions are posted on Blackboard. This must be
turned into class on assigned date.
6 Journal response using Bronfenbrenner’s model – online assignment. Complete journal entries and submit through
Blackboard
7. Drop-out nation – online assignment. Watch Frontline documentary Dropout Nation and write a one-page reaction.
Submit online through Blackboard.
8. Temperament quiz – online assignment. Complete assignment online. Copy and paste results into Word document
and submit through Blackboard
9. Lifeline – Hand-written timeline for major life events- past, present and future. Create a timeline on a 9x12 piece of
paper. Include detailed descriptions of major life events. Assignment directions are posted on Blackboard. This must be
turned into class on assigned date
10. Obituary - As a projective assignment: Write your own conclusion or obituary about your Virtual Life. What significant
others in your life remain after you? What would you list as your meaningful moments or accomplishments, either those
addressed within this Virtual Life course, or drawn from experiences not mentioned previously? You can write this from an
observer's point of view (third-person), or from your own perspective (first-person) as an autobiographical letter. This will
be done in class as your final exam.