Life-Span Development
Psych 11 Online
Fall, 2007

Instructor: Mark Winter       
Office:   132 Creative Arts (Eureka)                                                                                                             
Phone: 707-476-4310                                                                                                                    
Email: mark-winter@redwoods.edu
Class Website: http://bb.redwoods.edu

Course Description: An introduction to the psychological study of human development across the life span. Biological, cognitive, and psycho-social influence on human development will be examined. Topics include prenatal development, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Learning Outcomes:
1.  Draw connections between research findings and their theoretical implications.
2.  Develop an overview of the scientific field of developmental psychology including the major theoretical approaches.
3.  Draw the distinction between scientific and non-scientific methods of understanding and analysis.
4.  Respect and use scientific approaches to solve problems related to human development.
5.  Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, core empirical findings, and historic trends in developmental psychology.
6.  Identify and explain the primary objectives of developmental psychology: describing, understanding, predicting, and influencing developmental processes.
7.  Explain (including advantages and disadvantages) and compare major theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology (e.g., behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic and socio-cultural).
8.  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of developmental theory and research representing each of the following eleven domains: (a) human genetics and reproduction, (b) prenatal development, (c) infancy, (d) early childhood, (e) middle and late childhood, (f) early adolescence, (g) late adolescence, (h) early adulthood, (i) middle adulthood, (j) late adulthood, and (k) death and dying.
9.  Explain the interaction between heredity and the environment.
10.  Use critical thinking in acquiring knowledge.
11.  Recognize, understand, and respect the importance of the impact of diversity on developmental research, theory and application, including (but not limited to): race, ethnicity, culture, gender, socio-economic status, disability, and sexual orientation.
12.  Understand and apply developmental principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
13.  Develop insight into their own and others’ development and apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.
14.  Develop awareness of the principles embodied in the APA Code of Ethics.
15.  Demonstrate information competence (e.g. locate and choose relevant sources from appropriate media, read and accurately summarize the general scientific literature for an area of developmental psychology, and search the World Wide Web for high quality information).

Computer Skills: Online courses require adequate computer skills. You should be able to navigate websites, open and download files, use a word processor and be able to convert files into rich text format, and submit files to Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the technological demands of the course.

Computer Requirements: Most computers and internet providers are adequate. You will need shockwave and audio software (free and common with most computers) and speakers to listen to lectures. All audio files will have an accompanying transcript. I would recommend broadband services such as cable, DSL, or from satellite providers.  You need to have reliable access to the internet at least twice a week for 15 weeks.

Student Commitment: Your commitment will require at least as much time as you would dedicate to a traditional class. A typical three credit hour class will require about nine hours per week of your time. You will need to listen to lectures (and/or read lecture text files), carefully read textbook chapters, participate in online discussions, complete weekly quizzes, write and submit a paper, and take online midterm and final exams. Self discipline, attention to details, and skills in reading and writing are critical for succeeding online. 

Text: Berk, L. (2008). Exploring Lifespan Development. Pearson: Allyn & Bacon. The text can be purchased at a CR Bookstore or by phone at (707-476-4130). Phone orders have no charge for shipping and handling but require credit card payments. In addition, both new and used texts can be ordered online from commercial websites. A copy of the text is on reserve at the Eureka LRC. 

Grading:
Chapter Quizzes (180 points): This course is organized around ten topics. Each topic will have chapter quizzes consisting of 10 multiple-choice items based on that chapter's lectures and text reading assignments. The last quiz will serve as "extra credit" to offset a missed or low-scoring quiz. Quizzes will be available online in Blackboard during the time period when the topic is presented. These are open-book exams. You are expected to follow the class code of conduct (see below). 

Midterm Exams (200 points): There will be two midterm exams each consisting of 100 multiple-choice items. As with the quizzes, exams will be completed online anytime during the weeks they are available. However, unlike quizzes, exams can be opened only once and will be time-limited. You will be free to use your book or notes during the exam but will not have time to search for answers to the questions. Prepare for these exams the same as you would for a similar exam in the classroom. Late exams are available at the discretion of the instructor and will receive a late penalty.

Papers/projects (75 points):  You will complete three short papers each worth 25 points. These papers will summarize your projects regarding children, adolescents, and adults.

Class Discussion (120 points): Each week, except exam weeks, will have a discussion based on a question. You will receive up to a maximum of 10 points for postings and responses to other peoples' postings (reduced credit for superficial postings and responses). This is an important and required part of the class. The discussion forum can be accessed from the class homepage on Blackboard. The last week's discussion will serve as "extra credit" to offset a missed or low-scoring discussion.

Final Exam (100 points): The final exam will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the material presented since the last midterm exam. These exams will be administered online and will be similar in format to the midterm exams. No late or make-up exams will be allowed.

Note: There are no provisions for additional extra credit.

Grade Distribution: A=93% and above, A-=90-92%, B+=88-89%, B=83-88, B-=80-82%, C+=78-79%, C=65-77%, D=60-64%,  F=59% and below 

Course Schedule: Ten weeks will consist of a weekly Topic, Readings (lectures and text chapter) and Assessment (quiz and discussion.)  Three weeks will consist of projects and papers. Two weeks will be dedicated for the midterm exams. Every week, except exam weeks, will have a required discussion.

Note: While I make every effort to follow the standards and schedule of this syllabus there may be times when changes are necessary. I will inform the class through the announcement board and class email of any changes.

Code of Conduct: I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct Standards in the College Catalogue under campus policies and regulations on page 223. In addition, as an online class I have two additional requirements. First, you must do your own work. All papers and section quizzes must be completed by you, the student who is registered for the class. Second, be respectful of your fellow students. Be kind and considerate in all of your postings and responses to the discussion forum.