PSY 241C Syllabus

WCC COURSE SYLLABUS

Created: 1/11/2005

COURSE INFORMATION:

PSY 241C 001 Developmental Psychology
Semester: Spring 2005
Semester hours credit: 3
Class hours per week: 3
Prerequisites: PSY 150

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a study of human growth and development. Emphasis is placed on major theories and perspectives as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception to death. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of development across the life span. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences. This course is also available through the Virtual Learning Community (VLC).

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Name: Cinnamon Martin
Office: 821 Randolph Hall
Office Hours: MWF 9:00 - 10:00 am
T TH 8:30 - 10:00 am and 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Office Phone: 838-6488
Email Address: martinc@wilkescc.mailcruiser.com

TEXT:

Feldman, Robert S. DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN, 3rd Edition Media and Research Update. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc., 2005.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Define "developmental psychology"
B. Explain the following major theoretical viewpoints/perspectives regarding human development throughout the lifespan:
1. psychodynamic
2. behavioristic
3. cognitive
4. humanistic
C. Explain with depth of understanding the theories of these individuals:
1. Erikson
2. Freud
3. Piaget
4. Kohlberg and Gilligan
5. Kubler-Ross
D. Discuss the issue of "Nature vs. Nurture" as it regards to human development

E. Explain the influence of genetics on behavior
F. Explain the influence of socio-economic levels on human development
G. Discuss the influence of physical health (height, weight, nutrition, exercise, sleep, illness/disease) on human development
H. Understand the impact of education and training on human development
I. Explain the process of conception
J. Discuss the effects of the birthing process
K. Describe the processes of attachment/bonding and separation-individuation and explain the influences of those processes on subsequent development across the lifespan
L. Identify the tasks and crises of the various stages of development
M. Articulate specific characteristics considered normative for each identifiable developmental stage in these areas:
1. physical
2. cognitive
3. emotional
4. social
N. Delineate and explain the stages of development according to the family life-cycle theoretical models.
O. Identify and characterize the variety of family structures (marital and non-marital)
P. Identify the various recognized parenting styles and assess the impact of each on child, adolescent and adult development
Q. Evaluate the effects of divorce, remarriage, loss of job, change of residence, retirement, death and other such significant changes on child, adolescent and adult development
R. Identify and articulate the indicators/symptoms of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) for each of the stages of development across the lifespan
S. Explain the process and effects of senescence on the human organism
T. Explain the process and effects of death, dying and grief.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES:

A. Grading and Testing Policies: Grading:  Tests:  70% Writing Assignments:  30%
A minimum of five (5) tests will be given during the semester.  The tests will cover classroom presentations, lectures, textbook readings and any additional materials provided.  The student must take all tests according to the course schedule.  The instructor must be contacted IN ADVANCE in the event of extenuating circumstances.  If the student makes arrangements to take the test early, no reduction of grade will be issued.   Any student who misses a test and does not contact the instructor in advance to make alternate arrangements will earn a "0" for the test missed.

Writing assignments related to each stage of human development will be required.  Writing assignments will be submitted by the student on dates set by the instructor.  Further specific topic ideas and format will be discussed.
B. Grading Scale: Your final letter grade will be determined from your numerical grade calculated on a 7-point scale.  The grading scale is as follows: ( A: 93-100 ), ( B: 85-92 ), ( C: 77-84 ), ( D: 70-76 ), and ( F: Below 70 ).
C. Attendance Policy:

1.  Students are expected to be present and on time for every class.
2.  It is the student's responsibility to make up any assignments missed due to absence.
3.  Students who miss more than twice the number of hours the class meets per week may be
dropped and should consult with the instructor regarding their progress.
4.  No distinction is made between missing class due to college-related functions such as meetings,
sports events, or field trips, and doctor's appointments, illnesses, funerals or other 'cuts'.

D. Makeup Tests: There are no make-up tests unless the instructor is contacted IN ADVANCE of the absence and notified of extenuating circumstances. Papers that are submitted after the due date lose 10 points per day late.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Assumptions about Students: Students taking this class are assumed to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and capable of being held accountable for all assigned materials and for abiding by the rules and regulations for this class.
B. Learning Environment: Any student whose behavior disrupts the learning environment of the class will be given one written warning. If the disruptive behaviors recur, the student will be dropped from the class.
C. Class Etiquette:

1. No food or drinks are allowed in computer classrooms.
2. Students who must come in late or leave early must do so without disrupting the class.
3. Students (except for emergency services personnel) must turn off cell phones, beepers, and other portable communication devices, including watches with beeping alarms, during class time to prevent disruptions.

D. Withdrawal: Students may drop courses after registration ends and through the tenth week of the semester. Students must complete a drop form by obtaining the signatures of the advisor and of the instructor, who records the last date of attendance. A withdrawal (W) grade will then be reported on grade reports and transcripts. Failure to complete the drop form may result in a failing grade.
E. Conflict Management: If there is a problem with the class or a disagreement with the instructor, students may arrange a conference after class or during the instructor's office hours. The Student Grievance Process in the WCC Catalog provides guidelines for further action.
F. Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are violations of the WCC Academic Integrity Policy and will be dealt with accordingly. Briefly, that means offenders may receive a zero on the assignment, be dropped from the course, or receive an F in the course at the instructor's discretion. A document citing the offense may also be placed in the student's file in Student Services.
G. Inclement Weather Announcements: Announcements regarding college closings due to inclement weather are made on local television and radio stations, including the WCC station WSIF, 90.9 FM, and posted on the WCC Homepage. If classes are canceled due to inclement weather, students should continue working on course assignments. If classes are delayed, follow the two-hour delay schedule posted on the college website. Announcements for the Ashe and Alleghany campuses and local public schools do not apply to the Wilkes campus.
If class is canceled due to inclement weather or any emergency, the instructor will provide make-up work or schedule an extra class meeting the next time the class meets. If classes are canceled on the final day, your instructor will average your grades or give an Incomplete until all work is submitted.

STUDENT RESOURCES:

A. Student Success Center: An open computer lab is available for word processing, online research, online classes and other academic uses in Thompson Hall, Room 252. Email can be checked if computers are available. Instructors will schedule tests or make-up tests in the Student Success Center Testing Center . In order to take a test in the Testing Center (TC), you must have a photo I.D. A TC instructor will check your I.D. and administer your test, which you must complete at one sitting and before closing time.
B. Learning Resources Center (LRC): Wilkes Community College students, including distance learning students, may borrow books from the WCC Library and other NC community college libraries. For interlibrary loan requests, students must furnish full bibliographical information and the name of the library holding the materials. Interlibrary loan books will be sent to a public library or community college nearest the student.
Students may research topics in journals, periodicals, newspapers and reference sources through NCLIVE. Home access to NCLIVE is possible with a free password, which is available by visiting, phoning (336) 838-6114 or emailing (fay.byrd@wilkescc.edu) the library. The LRC has computers with Internet access available for research purposes.
Students needing research assistance during the hours the library is closed may use NCKNOWS, a virtual reference desk provided by the State Library of North Carolina. Access is free and available by clicking the link on the library web page or going to www.ncknows.com.
C. Student Support Services (SSS): Student Support Services is a federally funded comprehensive program that provides educational support services to eligible students. Students who demonstrate a need for academic support and are 1) first generation college students (neither parent has a 4-year degree); 2) persons with limited income; and/or 3) persons with a disability are eligible to enroll in the program and participate in a comprehensive array of academic support services.
D. Students with Documented Learning or Physical Disabilities: Students may receive assistance with academic and physical accommodations based upon documentation of disability. It is the student's responsibility to initiate requests for services by contacting the Disability Services Coordinator, located in the Student Success Center, Room 257D of Thompson Hall, and by completing the accommodation request form obtained in that office. Special assistance and accommodations are provided to meet ADA standards. No special concessions will be made for students who are not registered with the disability services office.
E. Student Services: The Student Services staff provides a variety of services to assist students with successful program completion and the achievement of their educational goals. The services provided are available free of charge to all students. The Student Services Office is located on the first floor of the Student and Learning Resources Center . Hours of operation are 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Friday. Among the services provided are: admissions, financial aid, academic advisement, career planning, job placement, transfer counseling, personal counseling, records and registration, housing, student activities, and first aid. Additional information may be obtained by calling 838-6135.
F. Course Evaluation: Students may have the opportunity to evaluate this course and instructor during the semester. If the instructor has not selected this course for a formal evaluation, students may give a written evaluation to the division chairperson. Internet students are expected to complete the online course evaluation.
G. WCC Web Page: The WCC Web Page is the source of information for WCC students, including the WCC catalog, contact information for faculty and staff, and links to student resources. In addition to the college website, your instructor may provide course materials on Campus Cruiser. H. Campus Cruiser: Campus Cruiser is a new web portal for WCC. It provides student email accounts, accessible links to all classes each student is taking and much more. To access Campus Cruiser, navigate your browser to the college home page and click the Campus Cruiser link. When the main page opens, click the login button to enter your account name and password.