Course Description: A survey of the psychology of human life span and development. Includes a study of human development through the life-span with an emphasis on physical, cognitive, social, emotional and personality development.
Pre-/Co-requisites: PSYC 111—Introduction to Psychology
Course Objectives: Students will: 1. Define key concepts in the field of developmental psychology. 2. Demonstrate an understanding of developmental psychology, including the field’s history, methods, and future directions. 3. Explain basic physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development throughout the lifespan. 4. Apply concepts learned in class to different scenarios (both in class, and within their own lives).
Instructor: Wade R. Wilson Des Lacs-Burlington High School. Phone: 701-725-4334 Email: Wade.Wilson@k12.nd.us
Textbook(s): Miller, Patricia H. Theories of Developmental Psychology, Fourth Edition By: Worth Publishers
Major Assignments: • Exams: There will be chapter exams, non-cumulative, exams throughout the semester worth 100 points each. Exams will cover information presented in class and from the textbook. Each exam will consist of 7-8 Essay questions. All exams are closed book and closed notes. • Quizzes: Quizzes will be given randomly throughout the semester. Each quiz will be worth 10 -20 points, and will vary in nature (e.g., short answer, multiple choice, matching and essay). Quizzes must be made up. These quizzes will cover material presented in the week’s readings and lectures. • Papers: Papers will be assigned randomly throughout the semester. Each paper will be (double-spaced) in length and in time font. Papers are due on the specified due dates, but can be submitted in advance.
Week 6 2/13 – 2/17 Social Learning Theory Chapter 3
Week 7 2/20 – 2/24 Social Learning Theory Chapter 3
Week 8 2/27 – 3/3 Information – Processing Theory Chapter 4
Week 9 3/6 – 3/10 Information – Processing Theory Chapter 4
Week 10 3/13– 3/17 Ethology and Other Evolutionary Theories Chapter 5
Week 11 3/20– 3/24 Ethology and Other Evolutionary Theories Chapter 5 Week 12 3/27– 3/31 Gibson’s Ecological Theory of Perceptual Development Chapter 6
Week 13 4/3– 4/7 Gibson’s Ecological Theory of Perceptual Development Chapter 6
Week 14 4/10– 4/21 Vygotsky and Sociocultural Approach Chapter 7
Week 14 4/17– 4/21 Vygotsky and Sociocultural Approach Chapter 7
***The final will NOT be given early. You must take the final during the final exam time, no exceptions.
General Education Goals/Objectives:
• Goal 1: Explains the interrelationships between humans and their environment and the role of science in their lives. • Goal 4: Demonstrate Effective Communication • Goal 6: Demonstrates the knowledge of the human experience throughout history
Classroom Philosphy:
• Students will be familiar with the technological tools used to investigate the mind and our behavior. • Students will be familiar with how nature influences our own (psychological) development. • Students will use critical thinking to understand the importance of psychology now, and in the future.
Classroom Policies:
• Participation. Students are expected to come to class prepared and actively engage in class discussion and activities. The classroom environment is open and harassment free, so please engaged in discussion. Computers are welcome in the classroom for note-taking purposes only. If students abuse this privilege, the instructor reserves the right to ban computers from the lecture periods.
• Deadlines. All assignments are due at the end of class on the day that they are due. Students may be deducted a letter grade for every 24-hour period the assignment is not turned in, not including weekends. If a student is aware that they will miss an exam, they must inform the instructor at least prior to the missed exam. If a student is sick or experiences unforeseen circumstances where an exam must be missed, the instructor must be informed immediately.
• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism (taking the ideas, thoughts, or language or someone else and passing them off as your own) will not be tolerated in this class. If a student is suspected of plagiarizing, cheating, or not doing their own work, the matter will be investigated. Any student who is found to engage in academic dishonesty (including letting others cheat off of you) will receive an automatic “F” in the course. Additionally, the incident will be reported to the appropriate University office and additional action may be taken.
