PSYCHOLOGY 231
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
INSTRUCTOR: DANNETTE HURLEY
PHONE: 452-8600 EXT. 2637
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours will be arranged with the instructor on an individual basis
REQUIRED TEXTS: Child Development: by Laura E. Berk, 6th ed
SPECIAL NOTICE:
“It is the intent of Volunteer State Community to fully comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and all regulations implementing those laws and orders, for the promotion and ensuring of equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. It is the intent of VSCC to be free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status or physical appearance. It is the intent of VSCC to fully comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and the CRA of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the American Disabilities Act of 1990, applicable state status and all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto”
PREREQUISITE: Psychology 101
NOTE: The student must have taken and passed psychology 101 before taking child development.
This course is designed to provide the student who has already taken and passed an introduction to psychology course with an in-depth study of child development. The course specifically addresses the psychological and physiology growth and development of the human organism, beginning with conception and continuing to adolescence. The course also provides an in-depth study of the major historical and modern theories of child development.
GENERAL EDUCATIONAL GOAL(s)
The general educational goal of this course is to provide information which enables students to identify, analyze, and understand the social, mental psychological and physical aspects of the child’s culture and development.
The primary educational goal of Psy. 231 is to scientifically study the quantitative and qualitative changes in children over time, It is an in-depth looking at ways of describing, predicting, explaining and modifying the child’s behavior in the four stages of growth from conception to adolescence.
OTHER GOALS
To encourage and facilitate the student’s interest and knowledge in research related to child development.
To help the student research assigned topics and topics of interest using theoretical concepts (behavioral, cognitive. Ect..)
To help students develop critical thinking skills by contrasting theories, questioning research, exploring historical events, and utilizing modern technology to asses the advantages and problems associated with research methodology.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
The degree to which outcomes of the primary goals have been achieved will be determined b the assessment of the specific course outcomes using multiple choice exams, oral discussion, class presentation, and research analysis. The course will also be assesses by students through faculty evaluation. The degree of accomplishment pertaining to research and the critical skills goals will be determined through assessment of the student’s achievement of specific course outcomes and evaluation of research assignment.
OUTCOME STATEMENTS
Outcome statements will be assessed through class discussion and written examinations
A. GRADING:
As follows: There are a total of 560 pts possible for this course. Points will be distributed
_______TEST 1 CHAPTERS 1 – 3 50pts
_______TEST 2 CHAPTERS 4 – 6 50pts
_______TEST 3 CHAPTERS 7 – 9 50pts
Midterm Research Assignment 90pts
______TEST 4 CHAPTERS 10 – 12 50pts
______TEST 5 CHAPTERS 13 – 15 50pts
______TEST 6 FINAL EXAM
CHAPTERS 1 – 15 100pts
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ QUIZES 5 (15) 75pts
_____ Group Discussion 45pts
TOTAL POINTS 560 points
FIANL GRADE SCALE CHAPTER TEST SCALE
560-504 = A 50-45 = A
503-448 = B 44-40 = B
447-391 = C 39-35 = C
391-336 = D 34-30 = D
BELOW = F BELOW = F
NOTE: It is NOT my policy to give make up exams. However, if you must miss a scheduled exam, you must provide appropriate document for an excused absence (doctors’ note, court appearance receipt, ect) in order to make up the exam. You are only permitted ONE exam during the semester (this cannot be the final ) and one quiz.
OTHER Possible Grades Given for the Course:
N = Audit:
No grade or credit. The student must have registered as an audit (non-credit) student in order to receive this grade.
W = Withdrawal
A grade of W is given by the Admissions Office after a student has processed a drop/add form through the Admission Office.
I = Incomplete
An incomplete is given at the discretion of the instructor and will be given only under the following conditions:
NOTE: If the course work is not completed prior to the exam period of the following semester, the grade is automatically converted to an “F” by the Admissions Office.
F = FAIL
A grade of “F” is given when any one of the following situations
occur:
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students do not receive a grade for attendance. Students are expected to have regual and prompt attendance because failure to exhibit regular attendance seriously impairs the student’s ability to succeed in this course. Any reason for absence should be indicated to the instructor preferably in advance. The instructor has the prerogative to accept or reject any excuse for absence.
Students are expected to report to class on time and to stay until the class session has ended.
EXCESSIVE TARDINESS AND/OR LEAVING CLASS BEFORE THE SESSION HAD TERMINATED MAY AFFECT THE FINAL GRADE.
The student’s grade may be lowered due to absences in the following situations:
MAKE UP EXAMS:
Students who are absent on dates when a major test is given will ONLY be permitted to make up the test if he/she provides documentation for an excused absence (doctors’ note, court appearance receipt, etc.) Without documentation for an excused absence the student will receive a “0” for the test. Students are permitted to make up one major test with appropriate documentation for absence (this cannot be the final), and one quiz during the semester. Additional missed quizzes or tests will result in a grade of “0” for that test.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments are due on the designated date. Assignments will not be accepted after the due date.
Extra Credit Assignments: There will be no extra credit assignments in this course.
CHEATING: Cheating is defined as plagiarism, talking to another student during a test or exam, looking at another student’s work during a test or exam, use of notes or books during a test or exam, or turning in a paper that is not the student’s work.
Any student caught engaging in these behaviors will be given an automatic failure for the cours4e regardless of the grade at that point.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If VSCC is officially open all classes will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due, and any scheduled tests, quizzes, or exams will be given. Any missed work will be subject to the policies outlined in this syllabus.
CLASSROOM DEPORTMENT:
All policies and procedures for classroom misconduct are discussed in the Student Handbook.
As a point o emphasis, the instructor will not tolerate any activity which is disruptive to the classroom setting, which adversely affects others, and which is considered by the instructor to be unethical, immoral or illegal. Students will be dismissed from the class and the issue of misconduct brought before the Vice-President of Student Services.