Child Psychology Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

PSYC-2308-001 Child Psychology

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

This course will address psychological development from conception through middle childhood with references to physical, cognitive, social and personality changes. Students will examine the interplay of biological factors, human interaction, social structures and cultural forces in development.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Feldman, Robert S. (2007). Child Development (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishers

Supplies

\ Paper, pens, pencils.  Must have access to a reliable computer with internet access and access to a printer.  Other supplies will be announced in class if needed.

Student Performance

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• \ Understand and explain the major theories and themes related to the physical, cognitive and social development of children and adolescents.
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• \ Understand, compare and contrast the methods used in child psychology research.
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• \ Understand, describe and explain the sequence of prenatal development from conception to birth, including basic genetic transmission of traits.
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• \ Understand and explain the importance of neurological and brain development in children, and analyze, integrate and apply that knowledge to methods of enhancing a child's physical, cognitive and social development.
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• \ Understand the maturation process and the sequencing of events in children's and adolescents' physical, cognitive and social/personality development.
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• \ Describe the major social influences on the developing child, and integrate the knowledge from the research in the field as to how parents, caregivers, teachers, and others who interact with children can apply this knowledge to enhance children's social and personality development.
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• \ Apply this information in critical and creative ways to virtual and actual interactions with children and adolescents that might include (but are not limited to) the students own children, younger siblings or relatives, care giving opportunities such as babysitting, as well as training and professional contact in the fields of teaching, nursing, childcare, criminal justice, counseling, social work, and even business.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

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In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: It is expected that each online student will do their own work. Assisting a student while they are taking an online exam is cheating - don't do it and don't let others help you! Not only could you be caught (and the methods of catching cheaters are becoming more sophisticated daily) but you are cheapening your own education. The only purpose of grading this course (in this instructor's opinion) is to show your level of understanding the material. Education is your investment in YOURSELF - why would you want to cheat yourself?

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:

NO CELL PHONES OR PAGERS ARE ALLOWED TO BE TURNED ON IN THE CLASSROOM, EVEN ON VIBRATE. THIS ALSO MEANS NO TEXT MESSAGING. THESE ARE VERY DISRUPTIVE TO THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT. IF YOU ARE ON CALL OR HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED TO HAVE THEM ON, PLEASE TALK TO ME BEFORE CLASS. OTHERWISE, PLEASE PLACE THESE DEVICES IN BACKPACKS, PURSES, ETC.

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS AT ALL TIMES.  Disruptive behavior can lead to dismissal from class and even failure of this course.  Please remember that this is a college course and adult behavior is expected.

Grading Criteria

EXAMINATIONS: (count 80% of grade)

There will be three to five exam grades.  Each exam will count equally in figuring the exam average, including the final (which is not comprehensive).  The individual projects will also count as an exam grade.   Exam dates and times will be announced during class and through e-mail during the semester. Examinations will be timed and there will only be one attempt allowed per exam.

QUIZZES: (count 20% of grade)

There will be a quiz for each chapter.  These quizzes will have random questions from the assigned chapters and will require the student to read these chapters prior to taking each quiz. Quizzes will be opened for the duration of the unit. Suggestion: it will be easier for you to complete the quizzes as soon as you read the chapter so that you do not fall behind and be forced to take 3 all at once or same day. Any additional quizzes or individual assignments will be counted as a quiz grade.

PROJECT:

Each student will be required to complete a project.  This may be done individually or in groups, depending on the size of the class.  The topic will be assigned and/or approved by the instructor.  An oral presentation may also be required.

A=90 to 100
B=80 to 89
C=70 to 79
D=60 to 69
F=below 60

ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS MAY BE REQUIRED.  I WILL ALSO ALLOW OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA CREDIT.  THESE WILL BE ASSIGNED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS.

Attendance

\ This is a Hybrid Class.  Attendance is required and expected, both on-line and in class. 

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE CRITERIA: Please read carefully!

The flexibility of a hybrid course allows the student to work at his/her own pace. Summer courses can be hectic and requires the student to be diligent in their homework and be aware of deadlines in order to be successful in this course.  If you miss a deadline and fail to complete an assignment, it could reduce your final grade for this course.