SYLLABUS
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
PSYCHOLOGY 2314.150 HH124 MW 1:00-2:20
Fall 2009
PSYCHOLOGY 2314.151 HH 124 MW 2:30-3:50
PSYCHOLOGY 2314.152 HH 124 TR 1:00-2:20
Lee Elliott, M.Ed. lelliott@delmar.edu 698-1360, 774-1032
Office HH 234; Office hours: MW 11:00-12:30, TR 2:30-3:30
Course Description:
Surveys research on developmental changes from prenatal development to adulthood. May include genetic/environmental interactions, prenatal development, development of thinking in childhood, genetic and environmental influences on personality, moral development, physical changes during puberty, romantic relationships in adulthood, childrearing, adjustments of middle adulthood, changes in cognitive skills in adulthood, adjustments of late adulthood and dealing with dying. Also offered as an online course.
Prerequisite: PSYC 2301. Assessment Levels: R3, E3, M1.
This course provides an introduction to the study of the continuous process of development and change throughout the span of human life. Changes are examined during the following stages of life: prenatal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and early, middle, and late adulthood. For each stage following birth, development will be examined from biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial perspectives. Students will gain understanding of each of these three domains of human development, different theories related to each domain, and be able to critique the different theoretical approaches. Students will also gain understanding of the interactions and relationships between these three domains of development.
Objectives for the course include the following:
1. Students will employ the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
2. Students will use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
3. Students will learn to recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.
Text: The Developing Person Through the Life Span, Kathleen Berger, 7th Edition.
Tests: Six tests will be given during the semester.
Of the six regular tests, the lowest score will be dropped. No make-ups will be given. A missed test results in a grade of zero, which becomes the lowest test score, and it is dropped. In the unusual event that a student must miss more than one test due to legitimate absence, the situation will be addressed with the student on an individual basis.
The five highest test scores will each count 12% of the grade in the course, so that tests will account for 60% of the grade in the course. Tests will have multiple choice, true-false, short answer, and discussion items.
Please bring Scantron for all tests.
Test 1: September 9-10
Test 2: September 28-29
Test 3: October 12-13
Test 4: October 26-27
Test 5: November 9-10
Test 6: November 23-24

Readings/Written Assignments: Four assignments will be given during the semester; each counting as five percent of the grade in the course. These assignments will be described in full at the time they are assigned.
Final Exam: The final exam will be comprehensive, and will count as 20% of the grade in the course. Half of the exam will be made up of multiple-choice items, and the other half will consist of short answer and discussion questions.
Grading:
Tests: 5 @ 120 points each =
Written assignments: 4 @ 50 points each=
Final exam: Multiple choice =
600 points
200 points
100 points
+ 100 points Final exam: Blue book =
Total =
895-1000 = A
1000 points
795-894 = B
695-794 = C
595-694 = D
< 595 = F
If you have questions about computing your grade, or anything else at all, please do not hesitate to contact me. email at lelliott@delmar.edu
is the best way to reach me. You can also call me on my cell at 774-1032 or leave me a voicemail in my office at 698-1360.
Attendance/general: The student is responsible for all material presented in class, so in case of absence, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain notes for the missed class. Material not in the textbook will be presented and discussed in class, and students are responsible for this material on tests. Therefore, it is important for the student to make arrangements to get notes from another student in case of absence.
In order to maintain an atmosphere of respect for your fellow students, please do not text while in class.
This class will be conducted in adherence to the Del Mar College's student code of conduct, located at http://www.delmar.edu/sthandbook/rights.php#3
*Students with disabilities may receive information and assistance through the Office of Special Services,
Harvin Center, Room 188; phone 698-1298. *