HUM DEV 210: Introduction to Human Development
Fall, 2013
TH: 12:30-1:50pm (RH 250)
Course Information
Instructor: Sawa Senzaki, Ph.D.
Office: MAC 315
Email: Senzakis@uwgb.edu (please put HUM DEV 210 in subject)
Phone: 465-2711
Office hours: Mon. 2:30-3:30pm; Tue. 9:00-11:00am; Wed. 2:30-3:30pm; Thu. 2:003:30pm (or by appointment)
Prerequisites:
No prerequisites.
Course Overview
Have you ever wondered… Why we don’t have memories from the first few years of our
lives? Do violent media lead to aggressive behaviors? Whether our behaviors and personal
characteristics are innately determined or influenced by the environment? If so, you are in
the right spot!
In this course, we’ll be exploring the fascinating field of Human Development. This course
is designed to provide you with an introduction to the science of biological, cognitive, and
sociocultural aspects of human development across lifespan.
Required Materials
Textbook
Berk, L. E. (2010). Exploring Lifespan Development (2nd Ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn &
Bacon/Pearson. (Please purchase bundle including MyDevelopmentLab).
Alternative choices
You may purchase a loose-text version or an e-text version (you can read the textbook
online and/or download onto your computer) at the bookstore.
If you wish to buy new or used textbooks elsewhere, the 6th edition can be used in place of
the 2nd edition.
My Virtual Child (required for assignments and in-class participations)
Manis, F., & Radford, M (2008). The Virtual Child. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Online
Interactive Resource.
 If you buy the new textbook at the University bookstore, the access code is included with
MyDevelopmentLab. You will find a folded card inside the textbook.
 If you purchase a used textbook, you can buy the access code at the bookstore, or
purchase it online: http://www.myvirtualchild.com/
Syllabus: HUM DEV 210 Sec 0001 (Fall, 2013) 2
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to…
 Describe the general course of human development from conception to later
adulthood in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains.
 Recall, name, identify, and explain key concepts and theories in Human
Development.
 Compare and contrast different theories and their perspectives.
 Apply your knowledge about human development in raising your virtual child.
Grading
Your learning achievements will be assessed as follows:
Online Quizzes
30 points (10%)
My Virtual Child Forums (In-class)
30 points (10%)
My Virtual Child Papers
30 points (10%)
Research Participation (ERLP)
30 points (10%)
3 exams X 60 points each
180 points (60%)
Total
300 points
Final letter grades will be assigned based on your total score, using the following cutoffs
(grades will not be rounded up or down):
Letter
Range of Points
Letter
Range of Points
A
279 – 300 (93.0-100%)
C
219 – 233 (73.0-77.9%)
A/B
264 – 278 (88.0-92.9%)
C/D
204 – 218 (68.0-72.9%)
B
249 – 263 (83.0-87.9%)
D
180 – 203 (60.0-67.9%)
B/C
234 – 248 (78.0%-82.9%)
F
0 – 179 (below 60%)
Learning Assessments
Online quizzes (best 5 out of 8):
You will complete 8 online reading quizzes designed to help you keep up with the textbook
readings and prepare for exams. Each quiz will be made up of 12 multiple-choice questions
(0.5 point each) based on the textbook readings. To accommodate illness or late
registration, the lowest 3 quiz marks will be dropped, so students can miss 3 quizzes
without affecting their final grades; however, students are recommended to complete all
quizzes. Quizzes will be accessed through D2L. Each quiz may be attempted once, and you
will have 20 minutes from the time it is started to complete each quiz. Due dates coincide
with the conclusion of a topic. Each quiz will be available approximately 1 week before its
due date, and must be submitted by 10pm on the due date (see the course schedule). Late
quizzes will not be accepted.
My Virtual Child [MVC] Forums/Papers:
To supplement the material covered in class lectures and the text, you will complete an
interactive online exercise in which you raise a “virtual child” online, by making decisions about
childrearing and coping with situations that come up as your child develops.
Syllabus: HUM DEV 210 Sec 0001 (Fall, 2013) 3
As a part of this program, we will have 3 in-class forum meetings. You will write and bring with
you a 1-2 page paper, in which you will describe and analyze your virtual child’s development in
infancy, childhood, and adolescence (specifics will be provided in class). During a forum
meeting, you will discuss your experience raising your virtual child with your peers. Forum
groups will be conducted in small groups (4-6 people), and each group will turn in a
handout summarizing the discussion at the end of class. Your individual papers will be
worth up to 30 points each, and group summaries will be worth up to 30 points. You must
be present in class on forum days to receive credit for your individual papers AND
group summaries. Class participation can be made up within one week if students have
a medical emergency, family funeral or UWGB mandatory scheduled event, and
provide written proof of event, and receive prior instructor approval.
Participate in Experimental Research Learning Program (ERLP):
The Experiential Research Learning Program (ERLP) is a program designed to enhance
students’ understanding of the role and application of scientific research in the fields of
Human Development and Psychology.
Research Points: Students are required to earn 10 research points. These points can be
earned by participating in research studies (1 research point = 15 min. of research
experience so 10 points =2.5 hours), attending research presentations, and/or reading and
reviewing relevant research articles (1-pg per article = 3 points). All students enrolled in
this course are enrolled in the Experiential Research Learning Program (ERLP) D2L page.
This page will provide you valuable information about the ERLP, including information on
logging into the ERLP Management Website where opportunities for students to earn
points are advertised, where students will sign up to participate in studies and attend
presentations, and where students can track the points they have earned. The ERLP D2L
page has other useful links and information as well.
 To earn research points:
o Log on to the ERLP D2L page and read more about the program.
o Create a user account for the ERLP Management Website.
o Sign up for an activity you are interested in and follow the instructions for
participation.
o Following the activity, you will print your name on a sign-up sheet which the
researcher will use to assign points. You can track your points on the ERLP
Management Website.
 Important:
o Be sure to read the “Information for Students” document on the ERLP D2L
page. This will give you other valuable information about the program.
o Sign up for research activities as early in the term as possible (so you don’t
miss the opportunity later).
o You may only participate in research activities posted on the ERLP
management website to receive research points for this class. Other
activities will not count.
o You may only participate in the same research study once.
o More information can be found at http://www.uwgb.edu/martinr/erlp.htm
Syllabus: HUM DEV 210 Sec 0001 (Fall, 2013) 4
This course requirement must be completed by Dec. 10, 2013. Therefore, participation in
research studies or presentations should occur prior to this date. Article Reviews must be
turned into the Professor through the drop box on D2L by Dec. 10, 2013.
Exams:
There will be 3 exams, each worth 60 points. The 3rd exam will take place during our
scheduled final exam time. The 3rd exam is NOT cumulative. All exams will consist of 60
multiple choice or true/false questions, and you will have 70 minutes to complete each
exam. The exam 1 covers Chaps. 1-6, exam 2 covers Chaps. 7-12, and the exam 3 covers
Chaps. 13-19. Presentations by guest speakers will also be covered in subsequent exams.
All of the material covered in the class, as well as the material covered in the text and
assignments are eligible to be covered on the exams. The emphasis of the exams will be on
conceptual and application questions. Students should know the material in three ways:
(1) understand the technical language, (2) be able to word it in ordinary language, and (3)
be able to recognize and apply it to the real world.
Please note that NO make-up exams will be given, except in rare situations where the
student has a legitimate reason for missing an exam, including incapacitating illness, death
in the family, religious conviction, etc. In all cases, the student must present proof for
missing the exam, such as a doctor’s note, police report, etc., clearly stating the date and
times.
Communication:
Questions about class content and exams should be posted on the appropriate D2L
discussion boards. When you have questions, other students may have similar questions,
and this way the instructor can answer questions online for the benefit of all class
members. Students are expected to check D2L regularly, and are responsible for
information posted on D2L.
What I expect from you




Attend class and participate
(demos, discussions, & activities).
Come prepared to discussions.
Be respectful of others and their
ideas.
Complete assignments/ exams on
time.
What you can expect from me




Be available via email, before/after
class, and office hours.
Be respectful of others and their
ideas.
Timely return of assignment/
exam grades.
Response to your feedback.
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors and the schedule in this Course Outline are subject
to change and will be announced in class.
Syllabus: HUM DEV 210 (Fall, 2013) 5
COURSE POLICIES
Equal Opportunity in the Classroom
No one will be discriminated against for any reason, including gender, race, sexual
orientation, religion, ethnicity, language spoken, differing opinions, physical or mental
differences, by the Professor or by any member of class. To maintain an open and nonthreatening environment, everyone must treat each person with respect and dignity.
Academic Integrity and Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct
Cheating is obtaining information from another student or unauthorized source or having
someone else represents you during an exam. It is an equal offense to deliver information
to another student, in any form, in the course of an exam.
Plagiarism is using someone else’s work and presenting it as your own, whether it comes
from the web, a friend, or some other source. Copying someone else’s words without
appropriate citation is plagiarism.
Students are expected to complete their own work. Cheating and plagiarism will not be
tolerated on exams or any assignments, and will be directly confronted and handled
according to the procedures defined in the UWGB student handbook (see
http://www.uwgb.edu/deanofstudents/policies_procedures/students/pdfs/uws014.pdf).
Cell phones
Cell phones should be turned off during lectures, and should not be brought to exams.
Adaptations or Modifications
If you need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability, please contact me
privately to discuss your specific needs. For information regarding available options,
please also contact the Office of Disability Services (1700 Student Services Building) at 920465-2841 or http://www.uwgb.edu/ds/contact/index.asp.
Student Bereavement Policy
Upon approval from the Dean of Students, students who experience the death of a loved
one are allowed one week, commencing from the day of notification to the Dean of
Students, of excused absence. Students may also take a Bereavement Leave of Absence for
the semester in which the death occurs. Permission to do so will occur upon consultation
with the Dean of Students. For more information, please contact the Dean of Students Office
(920-465-2152 or dosmail@uwgb.edu), and see the website: http://www.uwgb.edu/
deanofstudents/policies_procedures/students/studentbereavement.html.
Attendance
Attendance is very important. This class is driven by discussion, group work, and
cooperative learning activities, which means attendance of each person is critical. If you
have to miss class, get the notes from a reliable classmate. Students are responsible for all
material and assignments presented in class, as well as in the text. Prolonged absence due
to extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. In all cases,
documentation will be required.
Syllabus: HUM DEV 210 (Fall, 2013) 6
Course Schedule
Dates
Topics
Sep. 3
Sep. 5
Sep. 10
Sep. 12
Sep. 17
Sep. 19
Sep. 24
Sep. 26
Oct. 1
Course Introduction
Studying development: theories and methods
Nature and nurture
Prenatal development
Infancy: Physical and brain development
Infancy: Cognitive development
Infancy: Attachment and emotional development
MVC Forum 1
Exam 1
Early childhood: Physical and cognitive
development
Early Childhood: Language acquisition
Early childhood: Parenting and social
development
Middle childhood: Cognitive development
Middle childhood: Schooling and social
development
MVC Forum 2
Adolescence: Physical and cognitive development
Adolescence: Social development & identity
Exam 2
Early adulthood: Physical and cognitive
development
MVC Forum 3
Early adulthood: Role transitions
Middle adulthood: Physical and cognitive
development
Middle adulthood: Social and emotional
development
QPR training
Aging: Cognition and physical health
Thanksgiving holiday - Enjoy!
Aging: Social and emotional development
Dying and Bereavement
Review
Exam 3 10:30 -12:30
Oct. 3
Oct. 8
Oct. 10
Oct. 15
Oct. 17
Oct. 22
Oct. 24
Oct. 29
Oct. 31
Nov. 5
Nov. 7
Nov. 12
Nov. 14
Nov. 19
Nov. 21
Nov. 26
Nov. 28
Dec. 3
Dec. 5
Dec. 10
Dec. 17
Readings
Chap. 1
Chap. 2
Chap. 3
Chap. 4
Chap. 5
Chap. 6
Quiz/ Assignment
Due Dates
Quiz 1 (Ch. 1, 2, 3)
Quiz 2 (Ch. 4, 5, 6)
MVC paper 1
Chap. 7
Chap. 8
Quiz 3 (Ch. 7, 8)
Chap. 9
Chap. 10
Quiz 4 (9, 10)
MVC paper 2
Chap. 11
Chap. 12
Quiz 5 (Ch. 11, 12)
Chap. 13
Chap. 14
MVC paper 3
Quiz 6 (Ch. 13, 14)
Chap. 15
Chap. 16
Quiz 7 (Ch. 15, 16)
Chap. 17
Chap. 18
Chap. 19
Quiz 8 (17, 18, 19)
ERLP due