PY 2013 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT UNITY COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS Instructor: Bill Davis
Fall 2012 Office Hours: By appointment
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course is a survey of the development of a person across the entire age span from conception to death. For each stage physiological, cognitive, social, emotional, and psychological aspects of growth will be studied. Emphasis will be placed on environmental influences that can promote the individual’s growth and development.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
(a) To become acquainted with the body of knowledge that deals with the science of human development.
(b) To examine the “nature vs. nurture” controversy as it applies to developmental theories.
(c) To demonstrate an understanding of several stage theories of lifespan development.
(d) To explore both positive and negative environmental influences on healthy growth and development
(a) Mid Term Exam 20% Title: Feldman, R. (2011). Life span development: A topical approach. Boston: Prentice Hall (b) Natural Observation 15%
(c) Genogram 20%
(c) Group Presentation 30%
(d) Final Exam 15%
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is expected at all classes. Quizzes, examinations, and assignments are due as scheduled and will not be rescheduled unless prior arrangements are made with the course instructor.
Projects/presentations
You are to complete two projects in this course. One individually, and one as a small group (groups will be assigned prior to the first class). Individually, you will create an original paper of between 5-7 pages, not including cover page and references, on some aspect of developmental psychology that you find compelling. Later in the course, and working in a group of four to five students, you will present a milestone and four different rituals from four different cultures that exemplify the milestone to the class. Use Erikson’s psychosocial stages as a guide, describe the physical, cognitive, language or social milestone, the significance of the milestone at the time of attainment and during the lifespan, and the importance of the rituals in celebrating the milestone attainment.
Natural Observation
At a venue that provides learning and observational opportunities for children 3 to 10 years of age, you are to observe for 30 to 60 minutes. This type of project is considered a natural observation. Using APA format, describe your experience. Summarize the theories used (You are to use two major theories which you choose). Describe your reasons for the observation, the methods you employed, your results, and your conclusions. Please apply appropriate material when introducing your project and when summarizing your observations.
Genograms
A family genogram is another way to describe a family tree. You are to complete a genogram that spans four generations. The genogram is to be completed using the bio-psycho-social model.
Biological- Please describe the biological history of you family members. This is represented on the genogram in a color code. You are to include birth and death dates, major and chronic illnesses, and any other genetic or biological issues.
Psychological- Please include descriptions of temperament and personality, attachment, intelligence, psychosocial stage resolutions, psychological disorders, and exhibited resilience when faced with risk.
Social- a social history of you and your family. Please include parenting styles, occupations, religions, rites of passage, family rituals and routines, and important dates such as marriage, divorce and achievements.
Professionalism, Class Participation & Attendance: Professionalism is considered attending class and being present by paying attention and contributing to class discussions. This is done in a genuine fashion. To do this, computers can be used for note taking only and cell phones are stowed and turned off. You are expected to demonstrate respect for each other. This includes accepting individual differences and listening respectfully to each other. Disrespect of any kind is unacceptable, and therefore cannot be tolerated.
Cell Phones: All cell phones are to be off and stowed. This includes my own. Cell phone use in class is a form of disrespect both toward myself and your fellow students, and given a class of this size simply cannot be tolerated.
You are expected to attend all classes.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected produce original course work. If an incident of plagiarism or cheating is found, it will be handled on an individual basis in accordance with the Student Handbook.
Writing Center The writing center is a resource you should use to help you improve your writing. The writing consultants the center employs can help you invent, organize, and revise your documents to meet the specific requirements established during your classes (however, the consultants cannot simply “edit” your essay). Take the time to become familiar with this resource and use it regularly. Note: To improve the effectiveness of the writing consultation, please set up an appointment with a consultant at least 2 days before the assignment is due. Also, bring 2 copies of your paper with you to the tutoring session.
Proposed Readings and Class Schedule
Date Topic Readings
8/28 Introduction- Nature and Nurture
8/30 Prenatal Development Ch. 2
9/6 Neurology and Behavior Ch. 1
9/11 The Processes of Aging Ch. 3
9/13 Brain Growth Ch. 3
9/18 Attachment and Repercussions Ch. 4 Natural Observations Due
9/20 Cognition and Learning Ch. 5
9/25 The Brain and Adaptation Ch. 6
9/27 Language and Communication Ch. 7
10/2 Intelligence Ch. 8 10/11 Emotional Development Ch. 9
10/16 Mid Term Ch. 10 10/18 Moral Development Ch. 11 10/25 Gender and Sexuality Ch. 12 10/30 Social Hominids- The Importance of Tribe Ch. 13
11/1 Culture, Education and Society Ch. 14
11/6 Adolescence Term Paper Due
11/8 Gerontology
11/13 Aggression and Violence Ch. 11 Term Paper Due
