Developmental Psychology

1. To obtain an understanding of human development across the lifespan from (a) biological, (b) cognitive, (c) and socio-emotional perspectives based on psychological theories
2. To gain knowledge of how biological inheritance and various experiences influence developmental pathways

Grades will be based on four exams, four journal entries, and one paper.

Exams: Each will be worth 100 points with 50 multiple choice questions. The instructor reserves the right to add short answer/essay questions to an exam, but students will receive notification days prior to the exam administration. Testable material includes all information from the textbook and lecture relevant to the chapters on the exam. There are sixteen chapters in the textbook that will be studied, so four chapters per exam. The fourth exam will include questions from throughout the entire course (i.e, comprehensive) and will be administered on the final class day (May 2nd).

Journals: These will be typed, double-spaced, 1-2 page entries submitted through email. A specific developmental topic will be assigned, and students will apply their knowledge of the topic through application, discussing either their own developmental experiences or those of relatives, friends, acquaintances, ect. Journals will be worth 25 points each and due by midnight on the same day as each exam.

Paper: Students will choose one specific psychological theory presented in the textbook in Chapter 1 on pages 15-22 and apply that theory to a particular person. The subject of the paper may be a personal relative/friend, a famous author, a politician, a movie/television/book character, a historical figure, a musician, etc. According to the theory you choose, you may have one developmental period of emphasis (e.g., Erikson’s identity vs. identity confusion stage). Students are expected to use the terminology of their chosen theory. The paper must include (but not limited to) a brief biographical sketch of your subject, an explanation of the chosen theory, and, most importantly and most lengthy section, an assessment of how the theory applies to your subject. This assessment portion of the paper may mention progression through specific developmental stages (if applicable to your theory), how genetics and environmental experiences affected development, and /or the cognitive, social, and emotional consequences of your subject’s development.

Mechanical requirements include:

• APA format
  • (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/) is a helpful Website
• 5-7 pages (NOT including Title page or Reference Page)
• Double-spaced, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins
• Reference Page with a minimum of three references
  • Scholarly articles, books, peer-reviewed publications ONLY
  • (NO WIKI!!!)

Papers are worth 200 points and will be graded critically. It is recommended that students begin identifying possible subjects and theories of interest early in the semester. Papers are due April 23^rd submitted by midnight through email.

A: 630-700 points

B: 560-629 points

C: 490-559 points

D: 420-489 points

F: below 419 points

Students are allowed 3 unexcused absences. After 3 unexcused absences, each subsequent absence will result in a 30-point (approximately 1/2 letter-grade) deduction. Tardies are equivalent to one-half absence. Leaving class before dismissal is equivalent to one-half absence. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the professor if s/he enters the classroom after attendance has been taken, otherwise the student will be counted absent for that day. The student is responsible for keeping track of his/her own absences. Students will not receive any warning from the instructor if he/she exceeds the number of allowed absences.

Absences are considered excused only if the student provides the instructor with:

1. A written excuse from a medical practitioner stating that the student (or student’s dependent child) was unable to attend class on the day(s) of the absence
2. A written excuse from an official of Midwestern State University stating that the student was unable to attend class on the day(s) of the absence due to a mandatory university event
3. Emergency absences may or may not be considered excused upon the discretion of the instructor. The student must contact the instructor as soon as possible in the event of an emergency absence. It is recommended that you also contact the Dean of Students.