Course Syllabus

Spring 2024 | PSY-1050-VA01 - Human Growth & Development

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Tana Randall
View Faculty Credentials

Hiring Coordinator for this course: Gilberto Diaz Santos

General Education Requirements

VSCS Social Sciences

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course is a survey of human growth and development throughout the life cycle including physical, cognitive, linguistic, ethical, and psychosocial dimensions.

Essential Objectives

1. Compare and contrast two major theories of developmental psychology.
2. Identify and discuss issues in human growth and development arising from differences in gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
3. Select one theory and discuss the major aspects of each stage of growth according to physical, cognitive, language, and social dimensions.
4. Explain how both environmental and genetic factors influence growth and development.
5. Apply the main concepts and principles of one developmental theory to the development of an individual.
6. Describe the process of empirical and ethical research (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) as it is commonly practiced and applied in the field of developmental psychology, including how that research informs contemporary issues.
7. Distinguish between fact and opinion, recognize unstated assumptions, and evaluate arguments according to the quality of supporting evidence in the literature.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

*** This is a no cost textbook or resource class. ***

PSY-1050-VA01 Link to Textbooks/Resources Information for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Methods

Textbooks and Resources: There are no required textbooks to purchase. To provide current, varied, and broad-based information about topics related to this course, our class will review information (websites, online texts and articles, research studies, videos, etc.) that can be accessed for free. Information about how to do this will be provided by the instructor. Accessing resources in this way not only allows students to avoid the cost of a textbook, but also provides opportunities for them to examine additional topics related to this course and explore their own personal interests.

Methods: This course is designed to give students an opportunity to reflect on their connections to the material presented and examined, and also consider different perspectives. Course assignments and activities are designed to support different learning styles and interests, allowing adult students to learn and demonstrate knowledge in various ways. Methods used include Discussions that provide opportunities for our class to submit assignments and discuss course topics, and Choice Assignments that allow students to explore interests. The Methods integrate current information related to Human Growth and Development and the resources that practitioners use in the field, so that practical and useful techniques can be explored and applied.

I look forward to getting to know you this semester! Please contact me if you have any questions. Rhonda

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria and Communication: Throughout the semester students can earn 0-100 total points/percentage for completing required Assignments and participating in required class activities. Each of these is assigned a point value and has instructions with specific criteria. Required due dates/times to adhere to are also specified. Submitting assignments and engaging in discussions allows our class to exchange ideas, and to develop an interactive and supportive learning community. Classes will start and end on time. Full attendance can only be recorded when a student is present for the “complete” class time and has earned participation points. In addition to Participation Points (0-4 per class or 60 total per semester) earned by completing weekly assignments/activities, additional Assignments (e.g. Choice Assignments) have a point value of 40 total per semester.

Weekly assignments listed with each week must be completed “before” the corresponding date (when we meet in class). When reading and completing assignments before we meet, please take notes (or create reminders) that you can refer to during class discussions (and earn participation points). For example, you could be asked to share five concepts or other examples of information that you reviewed from the readings and related assignments (e.g., video clips, websites, articles). This will allow you to reflect on what you found most informative, interesting or beneficial so that these points can be shared during our class discussions (and small group activities).

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Devices (e.g., computers, tablets) can be used in class to support assignments (e.g., refer to an online text or article). The use of cell phones will be discussed during our first class, and the goal is to not have them interfere with the focus and expectations of the class.

If needed, it is a possibility that students can earn points for one missed class if they contact (email) the instructor “before” the start of the next class to develop a plan. A class that involves something like sharing a Choice Assignment “or” the last class might not be able to be made up (unless there are extreme circumstances). Please contact the instructor if you need support or have any questions about absences or assignments/activities. If a student has two absences they are required to contact the instructor immediately, since missing two to three classes can result in not meeting the course requirements and Essential Course Objectives. Prompt communication is essential so that issues can be discussed. Thank you!

If absent, please refer to the weekly schedule and additional resources/instructions provided so that you can keep up with missed work and be prepared for the class coming up. This will be discussed further when we meet for our first class.

Students are required to read/review “all” course communications and all course information that is shared/posted/sent (e.g., messages, comments, assignment instructions, and all other forms of communication and information). Replying to messages from the instructor when needed or requested is a course requirement.

Only CCV email addresses can be used for course communications, and “only” CCV email addresses will be read and replied to. Type “PSY 1050” in the subject area of all emails so that the class you are enrolled in can be identified. Please contact tech support if you have any issues with CCV email or other tech systems.

Weekly Topics and Syllabus Information: Additional assignment instructions will be shared for each week, and students are required to review all communications/information regarding the course and assignments. It is a course requirement that assignments be submitted by the due dates/times to receive credit. Please contact the instructor if there are extreme circumstances that are impacting your ability to participate each week (be present) and/or submit assignments. Prompt communication is essential so that issues can be discussed. Thank you!

The Weekly Schedule is subject to change depending on number of students enrolled and other planning factors. Changes and revisions (if any are required) will be shared with students in advance. Details and instructions describing criteria for weekly assignments/activities and choice assignments will be provided. Classes are held on Thursdays at the St. Albans CCV site. Please be in the classroom by 8:30 am. Thank you!

Weeks/Dates, Topics and Readings/Assignments are noted below. These will be discussed further when we meet.

Week One 1/25 (First Class) Participate in Introductions and Activity to be shared when we meet; Discuss Course Procedures and Policies; Cover information about What is Development? Unit/Chapter 1 from online text and additional resources provided when we meet.

Week Two 2/1 Developmental Theories; Historical Perspectives and Current Approaches; Continue with Unit/Chapter 1 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Three 2/8 Research Methods and Studies connected to Human Growth and Development; Unit/Chapter 2 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Four 2/15 Infancy and Early Childhood; Unit/Chapter 3 and 5 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Five 2/22 Infancy and Early Childhood; Unit/Chapter 3 and 5 from online text continued and additional resources provided.

Week Six 2/29 Middle Childhood; Unit/Chapter 6 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Seven 3/7 Share Research Studies (Individual Choice Assignment). Half of the class will present this week.

Research Study Choice Assignment: Summarizing, reflecting/responding, and sharing/presenting information from a current study (addressing a topic related to Human Growth and Development) that you select from a peer-reviewed research journal/periodical. Detailed assignment instructions and criteria will be provided in advance.

Week Eight 3/14 Share Research Studies (Individual Choice Assignment). Half of the class will present this week.

Week Nine 3/21 Adolescence; Unit/Chapter 7 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Ten 3/28 Early Adulthood; Unit/Chapter 8 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Eleven 4/4 Middle Adulthood; Unit/Chapter 9 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Twelve 4/11 Late Adulthood; Unit/Chapter 10 from online text and additional resources provided.

Week Thirteen 4/18 Share Human Growth & Development Connection Assignment (Individual Choice Assignment). Half of the class will present this week.

Human Growth and Development Connection Choice Assignment: Summarizing, reflecting/responding, and sharing/presenting information that pertains to a subject (related to this course) that interests you. Detailed assignment instructions and criteria will be provided in advance.

Week Fourteen 4/25 Share Human Growth & Development Connection Assignment (Individual Choice Assignment). Half of the class will present this week.

Week Fifteen 5/2 (Last Class) Reflections and Wrap Up Activities.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity