Lifespan Growth & Development Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PSYC-2314-003 Lifespan Growth & Development

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing human from conception to death.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

THE TEXTBOOK FOR THIS COURSE is Crandall, Crandall and Vander Zanden (2012) HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 10^th Edition.  You may get it at the AC BOOKSTORE as a used text or you may buy or rent it online from various book dealers.  You will also have multiple films to watch online!  You do not need to buy any additional supplements as this instructor makes up her own study guides.

Available in our AMARILLO COLLEGE BOOK STORE.  You can also purchase this book online at a variety of dealers including AMAZON.COM or BARNESANDNOBLE.COM. 

YOU DO NOT NEED ANY STUDY GUIDE, AS THIS INSTRUCTOR MAKES HER OWN STUDY GUIDES FOR EACH EXAM.  AS WELL, THERE ARE EXTRA CREDIT PRACTICE QUIZZES THAT YOU CAN TAKE ONLINE FOR EACH UNIT in the class! 

NOTE: You may also be able to find this book used at Amazon.com, as well as at BARNES and NOBLE online  at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/textbooks-college-textbooks/379002366/

Sometimes these sellers have the books for less than the AC bookstore charges, if you want to order it in advance of the class. YOU MUST HAVE THE TEXTBOOK AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS! 

As well, you can go to Textbooks Direct and find good prices on used texts, OR rent the book. Go to:

http://www.directtextbook.com/prices/9780205698301

Supplies

STUDENT SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES

YOU MUST HAVE ACCESS TO A WORKING COMPUTER OR BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE AC COMPUTERS DURING THE TIMES THEY ARE OPEN.  If you don't have your own computer, use AC computers. We have computers for your use in the on campus COMPUTER LABS as well as the various LIBRARY and WARE RESOURCE CENTER ON CAMPUS!  It is also possible to rent a laptop for a minimal fee.  Go to the RESOURCE CENTER on WASHINGTON STREET CAMPUS for that information. 

If you need help to set up your AC CONNECT account, go to the second floor of the library and they will assist you in getting set up! If you need help you may also contact our Helpdesk at 371-5000 or email them at askac@actx.edu

To access AC CONNECT, you need your AC online user name and password. This class has an online courseroom that you can access by going to the AC homepage, clicking on AC ONLINE at the top of the homepage, and then putting in your user name and password when prompted.  You will see the online link to our classroom. This is where you will be able to access and print off lecture notes in power point, assignments, reminders, and study guides for the exams, and where you will take your EXAMS.  ALL OF THE AC LIBRARY COMPUTERS HAVE POWERPOINT AND MSWORD, SO YOU CAN USE THEM AT ANY TIME THE LIBRARY IS OPEN. NOTE THAT LIBRARY INFORMATION IS FOUND BELOW: YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE LIBRARY TO GET HOURS DURING HOLIDAY PERIODS. CONTACT THE LIBRARY AT:

• WashingtonStreetCampus--Lynn Library (806-371-5400, Toll-free 866-371-5468)

• West Campus Library(6100 West 9th St.; 806-356-3627)

• Email the library for help:   library-help@actx.edu

Please Note: Computer users must exit computers 10 minutes before closing time.

 LIBRARY OPERATING HOURS ARE:

FALL and SPRING HOURS:

Monday - Thursday..............7:30 am - 9:00 pm 

Friday.................................7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday.............................CLOSED

Sunday...............................2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

• 4^th Floor Only:

  • Monday-Thursday 9:00-6:50

  • Friday 9:00-12:50

  • Saturday Closed

  • Sunday 2:00 – 5:50

Be sure you check for Holidays and Additional Closings! 

SUMMER HOURS ARE:

Monday - Thursday..............7:30 am - 9:00 pm (On Thursdays, 4th Floor only closes at 5:00 pm.)

Friday.................................7:30 am - 12:00 noon

Saturday.............................CLOSED

Sunday...............................2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

 

WRITER's CORNER:  WELCOME TO THE WRITER'S CORNER FOR HELP WITH YOUR PAPER!!!

If you have trouble writing, we have a great support system for you at the WRITER's CORNER.  Please take advantage of this resource and have them HELP YOU WITH YOUR PAPER! They will send me a tutoring report which will help you in your grade, and I PROMISE, taking the time and making the effor tto visit the good folks at the WRITER's CORNER will be worth your while when it comes to your PAPER GRADE! This is a large part of your final grade for this course, so USE THEM! 

• Folks, this is a GREAT RESOURCE if you are not the BEST WRITER! They will help you polish your paper and give you help with your final project for this class!  USE THIS RESOURCE!!!

 

Student Performance

Student performance and learning outcomes for PSYC 2314:

1.    Learn and gain mastery over the basic facts and research findings, terminology, principles, and theories important in the various areas of lifespan developmental psychology.

2.    Develop understanding, skills, and techniques for analyzing human behavior using a scientific approach.

3.    Gain a basic understanding of the interaction between genetic and environmental influences on human development.

4.    Gain a basic understanding of physical, cognitive, emotional and social development across the lifespan.

5.    Gain a basic understanding of family, school and work achievement, and death and dying as they apply to lifespan development.

6.    Analyze current issues and controversies in the field of developmental psychology.

7.    Practice and develop critical thinking skills, and written communications skills.

8.    Find ways to apply psychological findings to everyday life.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

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

STUDENT BEHAVIOR: What is expected of you!

IF THIS IS AN ON CAMPUS COURSE: Students are expected to attend class, to participate in class and to prepare for class lectures and discussions by reading the text and doing homework assignments. Students are expected to turn off all electronic devices (if you have a sick child, you may bring your phone and put it on vibrate). Please do not engage in side conversations during class time, texting, reading newspapers, taking naps, and any other distracting behaviors. If you miss class, you are expected to contact the instructor and/or other students in the class to get information about the class. 

FOR ALL COURSES: Since this instructor emails reminders via the AC ONLINE classroom announcement page, it's best to check into your AC ONLINE class frequently.  As well, all course notes and assignments are in the AC ONLINE classroom folders, as directed by your instructor.   It is your responsibility to get the information and printed materials, as well as take EXAMS in the AC Online classroom. If you don't have a computer, simply check the ones in the library.  You can get onto AC ONLINE from any computer anywhere!

Each student is expected to engage in academic honesty, refraining from cheating on EXAMS or plagiarism. YOUR EXAMS ARE MEANT TO BE TAKEN BY YOU!  IF THIS INSTRUCTOR LEARNS THAT YOU ARE COLLABORATING ON EXAMS, YOU WILL FAIL THE COURSE!  Plagiarism on written work will NOT be tolerated.  PLAGIARISM IS USING SOMEONE ELSES’ MATERIAL AS IF IT WERE WRITTEN OR ORIGINATED BY YOU.  If you plagiarize, you can fail the assignment and receive a 0.  Plagiarism means copying off of the internet, quoting directly without giving credit to the source, or using parts of another persons work as your own. Copying and pasting material off the internet is strictly forbidden!   YOU MUST CITE ALL SOURCES AND HAVE A REFERENCE SECTION WITH APA STYLE CITATIONS FOR YOUR PAPER! PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE IN THIS BEHAVIOR.  We have access to a plagiarism checker program and any paper that this instructor sees is plagiarized in part or in full, will be getting a 0 on the paper, and a letter of reprimand will be filed in your academic record.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER SOMETHING IS CONSIDERED PLAGIARISM, PLEASE ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE YOU ENGAGE IN QUESTIONABLE BEHAVIOR!  AGAIN, I CONSIDER THIS A VERY SERIOUS OFFENSE AND WILL NOT TOLERATE IT!!!

FOR ONLINE COURSES AND ONLINE PORTIONS OF TRADITIONAL AND HYBRID COURSES: Students are expected to engage in appropriate "netiquette" in the ONLINE PORTIONS of this class AT ALL TIMES.  Inappropriate online behaviors, such as swearing, discussion of inappropriate issues NOT related to the course room material, or any type of intolerance or rudeness to other learners will not be tolerated and may result in having to drop this course, failing the class, or dismissal from Amarillo College. Treat others as you like to be treated and everything should be fine!

Now, having said that, please remember that this is an COLLEGE LEVEL COURSE, and we will be discussing controversial issues in an ADULT MANNER!  You are expected to act like an adult in these discussions and realize that others may think and feel differently than you on a host of issues related to sociology!  Diversity is a GREAT THING and to be APPRECIATED in this instructors opinion.  If you find something offensive that is said by another student OR your instructor, please don't hesitate to contact me and discuss this with me.  However, it's important to remember that this course is not designed to CONFIRM YOUR OWN POLITICAL or RELIGIOUS BELIEFS, but rather to get you to think about sociology, society, and people in a bigger way than you may have already been exposed to. IN THAT, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF UNCOMFORTABLE AT TIMES, AS YOU ARE BEING REQUIRED TO STRETCH OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE! This is a part of what it means to get an education!  Obviously, learning to see the world in a different light is the goal of this course!   You are encouraged to debate others, and your instructor, in a polite BUT WELL INFORMED manner!  If you want to debate a point made, all this instructor asks, is that you bring your sources and do a good job of backing up your ideas.  In academics, we like well informed opinions!  This is KEY to analytical and creative thinking and is the hallmark of what it means to have academic freedom!  If you are not comfortable expressing your opinions in front of the class, you may obtain 10 extra credit points by WRITING a rebuttal paper.  If your instructor feels that you have backed up your point of view with sources that are informed and expert on the topic, your instructor will READ your paper to the class (with your permission of course!).  Let's enjoy the spirit of debate and differing viewpoints.  I look forward to a REAL educational experience with you all! 

If you have a complaint about this course, please contact me first.  If you are uncomfortable doing that, you may contact my supervisor, Dr. STEFANIE DECKER, at DUTTON HALL 202-L, or call her at 806 371-5195

If you have a concern that something you want to say or write that you think might offend others in the classroom or in the online course-room, run it by me first. Simply contact me via the AC ONLINE class email. As well, if you are aware of any student being mistreated or harassed in this course (including yourself), please bring it to my immediate attention.  We have zero tolerance for any student being mistreated here at Amarillo College. This will be a SAFE place for the expression of ideas and exchanges! Remember, you are an adult and differences in opinions, beliefs and ideas are a critical part of adult education!  You are expected to be an adult in this class!  Thank you for making our class a safe place to discuss ideas and to learn!   ~ Dr. Harding

Grading Criteria

GRADING SCALE FOR THIS COURSE and ALL ASSIGNMENTS

YOU CAN SEE YOUR GRADES FOR THIS COURSE AT ALL TIMES BY GOING TO THE COURSE HOMEPAGE, AND CLICKING ON the "MY GRADES" TAB in the MENU to the left of your screen. IF YOU THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR GRADE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IMMEDIATELY, SO WE CAN GET IT CORRECTED RIGHT AWAY! THANKS!

TO CALCULATE GRADE PERCENTAGE grade that fits the GRADING SCHEMA BELOW, DIVIDE YOUR TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS BY THE POSSIBLE NUMBER OF POINTS. If you've earned 460 points and there are 500 points possible, you have a 92%..that's an A .  Your final grade can be gound in MY GRADES in the FINAL GRADE WITH EXTRA CREDIT!  NOTE: I have to add in extra credit manually, so it may take me a while to get that updated. I do it periodically.  Check back if it looks like your extra credit grade hasn't been updated yet!

Your final grade for this course will be based on the standard grading percentages:

• 89.45% - 100% = A
• 79.45% - 89.44% = B
• 69.45% - 79.44% = C
• 49.45% - 69.44% = D
• Below 49.5% - F

YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:

• SYLLABUS QUIZ = 10 pts
• STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET RETURNED (5 points) and ATTENDANCE TAKEN 5 times 5 pts: = 30 points

• SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT “TOPIC” (the name of the agency where you will volunteer) = 10 points
• Three IN CLASS LABS: Two are worth 10 points and the SKIT worth each 30 pts  =  50 points (must be in class to get points
• Unit 1, 2, and 3 EXAMS (100 points each) and the grade book is set to drop the lowest exam score of these 3 exams (NOTE: YOU MUST TAKE UNIT 4 EXAM REQUIRED) = 200 points
• Unit 4 FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (100 points): Required for everyone  = 100 points
• VERIFICATION FORM for 4 hours SERVICE (30 points) and SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT ESSAY (70 points) = 100 points.  Upload BOTH AT THE SAME TIME in the SERVICE PROJECT ESSAY & VERIFICATION FORM DROP BOX!   DO NOT HIT SUBMIT UNTIL YOU HAVE UPLOADED BOTH DOCUMENTS. If you do, you will have to call me to get me to dump your submission!

*****NOTE: EXTRA POINTS ON YOUR PAPER: You may get up to 10 extra points on your essay for getting a WRITER'S CORNER TUTORIAL SESSION. Be sure your tutor sends me your report!

• EXTRA CREDIT is voluntary= Up to 30 pts added to your points total,  can be comprised of
  • up to 20 points for the UNITS 1-4 EXTRA CREDIT PRACTICE QUIZZES (up to 5 extra credit points on each practice quiz). 
  • You can sign up for SNACKS for the times we watch movies (10 points extra credit)
  • OR: You can combine the PRACTICE QUIZ POINTS WITH YOUR SNACKS
  • OR: you can make a food DONATION to the food bank ($1.00 of donation for 1 point).
  • NOTE:  YOU CANNOT HAVE MORE THAN 30 EXTRA CREDIT POINTS TOTAL! This can help you with a low score or if you missed a lab or did poorly on an exam.
• TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE:  = 500 points (+ up to, but not more than 30 extra credit points)

  

Attendance

"90% of Success is SHOWING UP"  ~ Woody Allen

While it may be tempting to skip class if this is a traditional on campus course OR not check in frequently in an online class, know that the #1 factor linked with good grades , whether the class is traditional OR ONLINE, IS class attendance!!!  You can work ahead in this class, BUT note that each unit, exam, lab and assignment has a closing time.  You MUST stay current with your work and it’s highly suggested that you fill out the study guide as your read your chapters before you take the exam for that unit!

The people that will do the best in the class are those that are in the class every CLASS or ONLINE FREQUENTLY if it’s an online course, that do their study guides and practice quizzes, along with watching all required films and doing the written labs over the material in that chapter!  I hope you will be ONE OF THOSE STUDENTS!  Good luck with that! I LOVE GIVING A's for EXCELLENT WORK!  ~ Dr. Harding

Calendar

Additional Information

HOW TO VIEW "YOUR GRADES & FEEDBACK" in "MY GRADES: Keep track of your GRADE!

Keep up with your grades. To see your grades and any feedback from me on your assignments (discussions and your service project essay) do the following:

1. Click on MY GRADES in the MENU list to the left of your COURSE HOMEPAGE online!
2. Go down the list of items to find the ASSIGNMENT or TEST, etc that you want to look at. It will show you your grade there.
3. To view comments from your instructor, click on COMMENTS. To view the grade scoring system (CALLED A RUBRIC), click on VIEW RUBRIC.  You will want to view this when you look at your SERVICE PROJECT ESSAY!  Discussions will have comments but no rubric. Be sure you read comments about your work. APPLY FEEDBACK SUGGESTIONS! This will help your grades.
4. Keeping up with your grades can inspire you to work harder and find better ways to study!
    

A FEW TIPS TO SUCCEED IN ONLINE and ON CAMPUS COURSES

• We know a lot about what allows students to succeed in college courses! Here are a few tips for you to consider:
  • FOLLOW YOUR CALENDAR and have some type of TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that reminds you of due dates!  I send out reminders to your email, but you should be in the habit of GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS. Develop something that works for you!  Our technology gives us a natural advantage in that!
  • WORK AHEAD: In this class, units will be opened early. WORK AHEAD. Get things done early in the class!  DO YOUR SERVICE HOURS AND WRITE YOUR ESSAY BY WEEK 3!  I promise PROCRASTINATION IS THE WORST STRATEGY YOU CAN HAVE FOR COLLEGE LEVEL CLASSES and ONLINE COURSES ESPECIALLY! 
  • BE THERE! CHECK IN: Go online, if this is an online course, at least 2 to 3 times a week.  Studies show that people, who frequent their online classes, do better than those that check in infrequently.  PRETEND THIS IS A REAL CLASS, even if it's "VIRTUAL"!  If this is an on campus course, BE IN CLASS!  Attendance and success in the class are POSITIVELY RELATED! The better the attendance, the better the grade!
  • NEW TERRITORY: Forget how you studied in high school! If you are new to college, throw away your "HIGH SCHOOL ROAD MAP".  It won't work here!  It takes some time to get these skills!  We can help you!  We want you to be successful and achieve your DREAMS!
  • LOTS OF FOLKS WANT TO HELP: Use our resources including our WRITER'S CORNER, COUNSELING SERVICES, and RESOURCE CENTER (if you need social services, we have somebody to help you with all that with the AC PANTRY and other things!), and FINANCIAL AID. 
  • HELP WITH BLACKBOARD:  If you do not understand HOW TO USE BLACKBOARD, go to the WARE CENTER on WASHINGTON STREET CAMPUS and get with the SUPPORT CENTER folks who will TEACH YOU HOW TO DO THIS!  You have to know how to access things to be successful!  We have lots of people to help you with this!
  • BE PERSISTENT!  Only 1 in 4 AMERICAN ADULTS has a college education. This is not meant to be easy!  It's hard and it takes building skills, and STICKING TO IT!  YOU CAN DO IT1
  • CALL ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS: You have my cell phone number at 806 584-7569. Call me between 9 am to 9 pm and I'm happy to talk with you (I might have to call you back but leave me  your NAME, the CLASS YOU ARE IN, and the QUESTION YOU HAVE, so I can be prepared to assist you when I call you back!  Remember, I DO NOT TEXT!  Please call or email!