Life Span Development

Course Details

Course Number: 3233  Section Number: 201

Fall 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 101

Days & Times:

PSYC 3233 Developmental Psychology

Fall 2011 - MW – 12:00 Noon – 1:20pm                                                              

Course Attachments

Syllabus  3233 Syllabus Fall 2011-20120321-142825.doc

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. James E. Snowden   
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Course Objectives

This course will be an introductory look at the psychological development of human beings across the life span.  We will NOT take an "age and stage" approach, but rather we will focus on the major domains of development, including the (1) Physical, (2) Cognitive, and (3) Psychological/Emotional domains.  The emphasis will be upon the latter two domains, with less attention given to the physical aspects of development, maturity, and aging.  The course will also give more weight to the "outcomes" of development, being less concerned with the detailed steps of the developmental process.  Course material will essentially follow the outline of your textbook, but additional material may be presented from time to time.  Thus, keeping up with the readings (about one chapter per week, sometimes more) AND class attendance will be important for success. Study guides will be provided to help focus your study. 

 


Course Expectations

 

Grades will be based primarily upon three tests, given at about four to five week intervals, with the last test being considered the "final exam."  Material to be covered will be clearly stated, and the type of test will also be made known in advance, though most likely short answer, objective questions will make up the bulk of test items.  Some essay questions may be given, depending upon the nature of the class.  If such questions are used, that will be announced in advance of the test.

 


 

A fourth grade, equal in weight to the three test grades, will be awarded based upon completion of a paper of no more than 5-7 typewritten, double spaced pages (12 point type) addressing a major topic or issue in developmental psychology, as it applies to you, or someone you know very well.  The paper will be due approximately two weeks before the end of the semester (November 16, 2011).  Because the Department of Psychology at MSU emphasizes the importance of written work, these papers will be read critically.  Please allow yourself enough time to review and perhaps re-draft the paper before turning it in.  In addition to content, the "clarity" of your communication with the instructor will be a major factor in assigning a grade.  That is, you must write well to do well.  To minimize unpleasant surprises, a proposal, identifying the topic or issue to be addressed, and the student's approach, MAY be signed off in advance by the instructor prior to the first test.  (The interested student will, of course, complete their proposals early.)  A "Proposal Guide" to aid students in preparing for their papers may be found on Page 4 of this syllabus. 

 

The following scale will be used to grade tests, your paper, and your class participation:

            90 - 100%=     A

            80 - 89=          B

            70 - 79=          C        

            60 - 69=          D

             0 - 59  =          F

            NO GRADES WILL BE DROPPED IN CALCULATING FINAL GRADES.


 

 


Make-up tests: Students who miss one or more tests due to absences will be allowed to schedule make-up exams with permission of the Instructor.  There will be no grade penalty for exams missed due to an excused absence.  A 10 point penalty (one letter grade) will be assessed for exams missed due to unexcused absences.  The same 10 point penalty will be assessed against late papers, without prior approval of   

Grades will be based primarily upon three tests, given at about four to five week intervals, with the last test being considered the "final exam."  Material to be covered will be clearly stated, and the type of test will also be made known in advance, though most likely short answer, objective questions will make up the bulk of test items.  Some essay questions may be given, depending upon the nature of the class.  If such questions are used, that will be announced in advance of the test.

 


 

A fourth grade, equal in weight to the three test grades, will be awarded based upon completion of a paper of no more than 5-7 typewritten, double spaced pages (12 point type) addressing a major topic or issue in developmental psychology, as it applies to you, or someone you know very well.  The paper will be due approximately two weeks before the end of the semester (November 16, 2011).  Because the Department of Psychology at MSU emphasizes the importance of written work, these papers will be read critically.  Please allow yourself enough time to review and perhaps re-draft the paper before turning it in.  In addition to content, the "clarity" of your communication with the instructor will be a major factor in assigning a grade.  That is, you must write well to do well.  To minimize unpleasant surprises, a proposal, identifying the topic or issue to be addressed, and the student's approach, MAY be signed off in advance by the instructor prior to the first test.  (The interested student will, of course, complete their proposals early.)  A "Proposal Guide" to aid students in preparing for their papers may be found on Page 4 of this syllabus. 

 

The following scale will be used to grade tests, your paper, and your class participation:

            90 - 100%=     A

            80 - 89=          B

            70 - 79=          C        

            60 - 69=          D

             0 - 59  =          F

            NO GRADES WILL BE DROPPED IN CALCULATING FINAL GRADES.


 

 


Make-up tests: Students who miss one or more tests due to absences will be allowed to schedule make-up exams with permission of the Instructor.  There will be no grade penalty for exams missed due to an excused absence.  A 10 point penalty (one letter grade) will be assessed for exams missed due to unexcused absences.  The same 10 point penalty will be assessed against late papers, without prior approval of  


Grading Standards

The following scale will be used to grade tests, your paper, and your class participation:

            90 - 100%=     A

            80 - 89=          B

            70 - 79=          C        

            60 - 69=          D

             0 - 59  =          F

            NO GRADES WILL BE DROPPED IN CALCULATING FINAL GRADES. 

 


Final Exam12/7/2011  

Submission Format Policy

N/A



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Make-up tests: Students who miss one or more tests due to absences will be allowed to schedule make-up exams with permission of the Instructor.  There will be no grade penalty for exams missed due to an excused absence.  A 10 point penalty (one letter grade) will be assessed for exams missed due to unexcused absences.  The same 10 point penalty will be assessed against late papers, without prior approval of instructor. 

 


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Class attendance is expected!  Schedule problems can usually be worked out, but must be discussed IN ADVANCE.  Bona fide emergencies do sometimes occur, but must be discussed with the instructor as soon as possible after the emergency absence. 

 

IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN FOUR (4) UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THIS CLASS WITH A GRADE OF "F".

 

An absence may be excused ONLY if the student complies with, or provides one of the following:

a. Negotiates approval for the absence with the instructor IN ADVANCE, or in the case of a legitimate emergency, as soon as is reasonable.

            b. Presents a written excuse from a physician or the MSU Infirmary.

c. Presents written evidence of participation in a mandatory University function (Band, Choir, Sports, etc.).

            d. Presents written evidence of attendance at a recognized professional meeting or                                          professional educational program.

            e. Presents a written excuse from a physician for a dependent child's illness. 

 


Other Policies

Graduating Seniors:  Graduating seniors who meet the following three criteria may be excused from taking the final exam:

            (1) You have an earned "A" average based upon the previous two tests and the paper

            (2) Your unexcused absences have not exceeded four (4) during the semester

(3) Your name appears on the official list of graduating seniors provided by the Registrar's                        Office

 

Note: Unless you have a signed notice from the instructor exempting you from the final, you will be expected to take it. 

 

Given the nature, scope, and intensity of this course, it is essential that each student keep up.  It is the responsibility of each student to seek assistance when needed.

 

Cheating is a hanging offense.  Don't!

 


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.