Syllabus
Human Growth and Development

Syllabus Sections

Publish Date

01/15/2013 11:26:28

Human Growth and Development

PSYC-2314

Spring 2013
01/14/2013 - 05/12/2013

Course Information

Section 034
Lecture
TTh 16:30 - 17:50
RVSE 7002
Lena Laxton

Office Hours

No office hours have been entered for this term

Course Requirements

 

Human Growth and Development

Spring 2013   PSYC 2314   Section 034   Unique # 24590

RVS Campus Room 7002 T TH 430 – 550pm

 

 

INSTRUCTOR:                                            Lena Laxton, MS, LPC-S

 

TEXTBOOK:                                                Papalia, D. E., Olds, S. W., and Feldman, R. D. 

Experience Human Development       (12 th Edition) McGraw-Hill - (Required).   ISBN 978-0-07-83514-2

 

Office Hours:                                        After class for one hour.  However, if

there are no students after 15 minutes, I will leave.

Please notify me prior to the end of class if you wish to meet.  Please notify me by personal contact or phone

                                                                                   

Campus Mail Box:                                Duplication Room

 

Email Address:                                    llaxton@austincc.edu

 

VOICE MaiL:                                                 (512) 299-4680

 

 

 

 

COURSE Information

 

Description

 

            This course is intended for psychology students as well as for students in disciplines that require some knowledge and understanding of how people grow and develop throughout the life cycle.  It is a standard, first course in human growth and development from conception to death.    It provides a sample representation of different theoretical perspectives and research findings that have helped to increase our knowledge and understanding of factors that influence our physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, giving special attention to the major challenges and achievements during the different stages or periods of development.  Also, the course provides information on factors that may affect our overall health and sense of well-being.

 

Prerequisites

 

            PSY 2301

 

Rationale/Purpose

 

            The purpose of this course is to introduce students to major theories and research in the area of human development.  The course will help students to increase their knowledge and understanding of factors that influence our physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.

 

Learning objectives/outcomes

 

            Students are expected to demonstrate a full understanding of important concepts and definitions covered in class and in the textbook.  Also, students should be able to use this knowledge and understanding to reflect on their own personal life experiences or observations.  They should be able to relate these experiences and observations to the theories and research findings discussed in the class, textbook, and/or other related sources. 

 

Instructional Methodology

 

            This course will be taught primarily through lectures, assigned readings, class presentations, and videos. 

 

Grading / Evaluation System

 

            The student's final grade will be based on the average percentage points obtained from three equally weighted exams.  There are a total of 4 exams.  The lowest exam score will be dropped.  Letter grades will be based on the following scales: 100-90 (A), 89-80 (B), 79-70 (C), 69-60 (D), 59 or lower (F). 

There are no make-up exams. 

 

Attendance

 

     Attendance is mandatory and will be taken during each class.  Perfect attendance will be considered in cases where a student's grade average is, by the end of the semester, two-points or less away from the next grade.  Students are responsible for ALL information given in class even if they are absent.   If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

 

 

COURSE RELATED POLICIES

 

Failure to Meet Deadlines

 

            Students who fail to take an exam on the scheduled date will not be allowed to "make-up" the exam regardless of the reason for failure to take the exam.  However, there will be four exams of which the lowest will be dropped. 

 

Withdrawal from course

 

     It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should s/he decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should s/he feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, s/he should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  Students are also strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities without penalty.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count toward this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

 

Impact of Withdrawals and F’s

 

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawing from a course or receiving an “F” may have on their financial aid, veterans' benefits, international student status, and academic standing.  Students are urged to consult with an advisor or counselor before making schedule changes.  Also, per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college career.  Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit.  For additional information on this issue, students will need to contact an advisor or counselor.

 

Requirement for Incomplete Grade

 

     An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student is unable to complete all of the requirements for a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

 

Academic Honesty/Ethical Conduct

 

     A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

 

 

Academic Freedom/Learning Atmosphere

 

            In any course that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be differing viewpoints, especially on sensitive, controversial topics.  We must respect the views of others and create an atmosphere where both the students and the instructor are encouraged to think, learn, and share information.  Viewpoints that are carefully thought and expressed in an organized, orderly manner can be used to enhance learning.  These viewpoints as well as any feedback or general comments must be provided in a non-offensive, respectful manner.  Your course grade will not be adversely affected by the viewpoints that you may express in class or on assignments.  Instead, the grade will be based on your knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles within the specific subject area as well as their theoretical and research-based foundations and applications.

 

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

 

 

CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONAL EXAMPLES

 

Personal experiences that students may use as examples when they are trying to explain psychological theories, concepts, and processes in class must remain confidential and discussed only within the context of the classroom.  The personal experiences must be discussed in a very general, summarized manner; the focus of the discussion should always be on the psychological concepts and processes rather than on the personal experiences.  Information that may be very personal and/or sensitive or delicate in nature should not be used as examples in class.  Also, keep in mind that failure to maintain confidentiality is a serious matter and sufficient cause for “F” or “W” in the course.  Additional information about confidentiality will be provided in class.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

 

 

Office of Students with Disability

 

     Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.  Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).   Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  

Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.   

Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available athttp://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/

 

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. Students are expected to learn

n and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and to agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note that students are expected to conduct themselves professionally, with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s class activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

 

Testing Center Policy

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

  • ACC Photo ID
  • Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)
  • Course Number (e.g.,1301)
  • Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)
  • Course Section (e.g., 005)
  • Instructor's Name

 

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

Student and Instructional Services

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at:   http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:  http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

 

 

Human Growth and Development

Spring 2013   PSYC 2314   Section 034   Unique # 24590

RVS Campus Room 7002 T TH 430 – 550pm

Lena Laxton, MS, LPC-S

 

General Outline*

I.             About Human Development, Beginnings  (Feb 19th – Exam I)

 

                                Beginnings

                                3.   Forming a new life

                                4.   Birth and Physical Development during the first 3 years

                                5.   Cognitive development during the first three years

                                6.   Psychosocial development during the first three years.

                                Review for Exam 1 – Feb 12th

 

II.            Early Childhood thru Adolescence (March 26th – Exam II)

 

                A             Early Childhood

                                7.   Physical and cognitive development in early childhood

                                8.   Psychosocial development in early childhood

 

                B             Middle Childhood

                                9.   Physical and Cognitive development in middle childhood

                                10.  Psychosocial development in middle childhood  

 

                C             Adolescence

                                11.   Physical and cognitive development in adolescence

                                12.  Psychosocial development in adolescence

                                Review for Exam II – March 19th

                 

III.          Emerging and young adulthood thru End of Life (April 30th – exam III)

 

A.            Young Adulthood

                                13.  Physical and cognitive development in emerging and young adulthood

                                14.  Psychosocial development in emerging and young adulthood

                                               

B.            Middle Adulthood

                                15.  Physical and cognitive development in middle adulthood

                                16.  Psychosocial development in middle adulthood

 

                C.            Late Adulthood

                                17.  Physical and cognitive development in late adulthood

                                18.  Psychosocial development in late adulthood

 

D.            The end of life

                19.  Dealing with death and bereavement

                                Review for Exam III – April 23rd

 

No Class March 11 – March 15 (Spring Break)

 

IV.           Comprehensive final (May 7)

                                Review for Final May 2nd

*Note:  Lecture and Test dates may be changed as needed.