PSYC 2309 Child Growth and Development

Instructor: Illysa Foster, M.Ed. Class Meetings: T 5:40-8:20

phone: 223-1795 (22827) Email: ifoster@austin.cc.tx..us

Office hours: T 5--5:40, 8:20-8:40 Room 10

Text: Berger, Kathleen S. (2000). The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence (Fifth Edition). Worth: New York, NY

Course Description

This course involves an exploration of the milestones and unique challenges in each stage of childhood and adolescent development. Various perspectives and theories are considered. Students learn the material through class lectures, text book assignments, films, group activities, debates, writing assignments, discussions and projects. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills and to consider contextual variables such as culture, gender and class while studying material and being evaluated.

Teaching Philosophy and Instructional Techniques

My teaching philosophy can be summed up as a mastery approach to learning where effort and process are the foci. My classes are organized to promote learning success by use of behavioral objectives with matched instruction and evaluation.

I approach my classes with an attitude of encouragement while providing instructional methods which promote application of the content areas for various learning styles.
Lecture, small group activities, class discussion, hands-on applications, and visual aids are often utilized. Writing assignments are emphasized as a means to achieve a deeper understanding of concepts. Students are permitted to correct written assignments and increase learning by use of my feedback on their work. Multiple choice exams measure a broad knowledge base in each unit of study. Projects are designed to nurture research and pubic speaking skills, community involvement, cooperative learning, critical thinking, and in-depth exploration of topics of personal interest. I am committed to providing a learning environment which fuels a love of learning.

Course Objectives

Students will:

1. develop a broad vocabulary of terms used in the field of developmental psychology.

2. practice the research methods of developmental psychology.

3. apply theoretical concepts of developmental psychology to real and hypothetical situations.

4. analyze contextual variables that effect human development

5. demonstrate the importance of each stage of development in the lifespan.

6. utilize creative thinking skills to evaluate psychological constructs.

Class Participation

Students are required to participate in daily discussions of material. All assigned readings must be complete before the classroom discussion of a topic. Students must attend class regularly to succeed in the course. Attendance and participation are taken into consideration if a student is just below the threshold of a final letter grade. Students are responsible for withdrawing from this course; remember to do so by the final withdrawal day. If a student stops attending class, she or he must take responsibility for the withdrawal process or receive a failing grade.

Evaluation

The course grade is a composite of tests, papers, and a project. Five tests are given with 500 possible points. Tests consist of multiple choice and essay items. Bring a green scantron and pencil on test dates. At midterm, a research paper written in APA or MLA format is due (worth a possible 200 points). You will have an opportunity to improve your paper grade with my feedback. A class report on a single journal article is worth up to 100 points. A group book project/presentation is worth up to 200 points. Extra Credit (25points) will be awarded for two or more hours of volunteer work for a nonprofit organization serving humans. Without exception, all work must be turned in by the last class period.

900-1000 points = A

800-899 points = B

700-799 points = C

600-699 points = D

500-599 points = F

Make up Tests

Make up tests are given in the testing center. They must be taken within a week of the original test date or they will be scored as zero. The last test of the semester must be taken in class at the scheduled time unless a student makes prior arrangements with the instructor.

Late Papers

Late papers (even those turned in after class on the due date) will be heavily penalized by point deductions. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you are ill on the date a paper is due, make arrangements to drop off the paper earlier in the day and submit it to the administrative assistant in the mail room. She or he will stamp your paper with the date and time. Students are encouraged to turn in work early to avoid this penalty.

Academic Integrity

Students are held to adult standards and consequences for their behavior in this class. Those caught cheating earn a zero on the assignment or test and are reported to the academic dean for possible suspension or expulsion.

This is your opportunity and privilege to learn: Enjoy, and do your best

Child Growth and Development Calendar

Date and Topics * Reading Assignment completed prior to class meeting

1/15 Introduction to Course

1/22 Research and Theories *Chapters 1 & 2

1/29 Genetics and Prenatal Development *Chapters 3 & 4

2/5 Test 1

Infant and Toddler Biosocial Development *Chapter 5

2/12 Infant and Toddler Cognitive Development *Chapter 6

2/19 Infant and Toddler Social Development *Chapter 7

2/26 Test 2

Play years Biosocial Development *Chapter 8

3/5 Play years Cognitive Development *Chapter 9

3/12 Spring Break

3/19 Play years Psychosocial Development *Chapter 10

Research Paper Due!

3/26 Test 3

School years Biosocial Development *Chapter 11

4/2 School years Cognitive Development *Chapter 12

4/9 School years Psychosocial Development *Chapter 13

4/16 Test 4

Adolescent Biosocial Development *Chapter 14

4/23 Adolescent Cognitive Development *Chapter 15

4/30 Adolescent Social Development *Chapter 16

5/7 Test 5 Group Presentations