Child Psychology 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.

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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-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

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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

YOU HAVE TWO TEXTBOOKS FOR THIS COURSE and BOTH ARE REQUIRED.  These include:

 

Feldman, R. S. (2016). Child Development, 7th Edition, Pearson:  ISBN 13: 9780133852035   You can buy this book new or used and you do not need to get the study guide or publisher content as your professor makes up her own study guides to save you money. 

 

Cline, F. & Fay, J., Parenting with Love and Logic.    ISBN-13: 978-1576839546; You can buy the paperback, kindle or hard copy. They have copies of this book in the bookstore. You can buy it used or new.

You will also have access to the BRAINTRAINER MANUAL online ( a short book that I wrote to help explain how the brain works in children and develops! You do not need to purchase this as I give it to you for free).

Supplies

STUDENT SUPPLIES AND RESOURCES: Our library, Writer’s Corner and MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE and ADVOCACY RESOURCE CENTER:

 

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 2nd floor of the library. 

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:

BY THE END OF THIS COURSE, STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

• Understand and explain the major theories and themes related to the physical, cognitive and social development of children and adolescents.
• Understand, compare and contrast the methods used in child psychology research.
• Understand, describe and explain the sequence of prenatal development from conception to birth, including basic genetic transmission of traits.
• 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.
• Understand the maturation process and the sequencing of events in children's and adolescents' physical, cognitive and social/personality development.
• 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.
• 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.

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 CRITERIA:

YOUR FINAL GRADE will be based on the following:
 

Syllabus Quiz worth 10 points (REQUIRED) = 10 pts

Service Learning Project Topic (the name of the place where you will be volunteering) worth 10 points = 10 points

DISCUSSIONS: INCLUDE:

• Unit 1 Discussion and Introduction to class:  = 20 pts
• Unit 4 Discussions: Kids Say the Funniest Things, Love & Logic vs Spanking: = 20 pts

EXAMS:

• Units 1-5 Exams each worth 100 points and the gradebook will automatically drop your lowest exam score  from UNITS 1 through 5 = worth (500 pts - dropped exam) = 400 pts
• Unit 6 FINAL EXAM is REQUIRED FOR EVERYONE and 50% is over Chapters 14, 15 & 16 on Adolescence and 50% is over the REQUIRED LOVE AND LOGIC BOOK, worth 50 pts = 100 pts
• TOTAL FOR EXAM POINTS = 500 points.

SERVICE PROJECT ESSAY QUESTIONS (in the TEMPATE PROVIDED FOR YOU): Worth 70 points.  And the SIGNED SERVICE PROJECT VERIFICATION FORM: you must have this signed to show you did your four hours service = 30 points.                                                                                                           Total points for the SERVICE PROJECT and the VERIFICATION FORM = 100 points of your total grade. 

THE SERVICE PROJECT VERIFICATION FORM: (you can get up to 10 extra pts on y our paper for turning it in to the WRITER'S CORNER for their feedback and making changes on it as they suggest): = 100 pts + (10 extra cred pts)

EXTRA CREDIT:

• Practice Quizzes: You may earn UP TO 30 points on the 6 practice quizzes (6 quizzes worth up to 5 points each). These can help you but can't hurt you!
• If you don't want to take the practice quizzes OR if you miss points on them, you can get UP TO 30 points extra credit by donating to the AC FOOD PANTRY or your LOCAL FOOD BANK. You must send me your PURCHASE RECEIPT and the PANTRY OR FOOD BANK RECEIPT for you donation. YOU NEED BOTH!  So you can donate solely to the PANTRY or combine QUIZZES and DONATION or just get up to 30 points on your practice quizzes.
• EXAMPLE: Let's say you get 22 points on your extra credit practice quizzes, then you can make another $8.00 donation to the pantry of food or gift cards (no cash allowed).

TOTAL FINAL NUMBER OF POINTS = 660 points   (with up to 30 extra credit points possible but not required)

Attendance

STUDENT ATTENDANCE:

"90% of Success is SHOWING UP": WOODY ALLEN  While it may be tempting to SKIP CAMPUS BASED COURSES or to ONLY CHECK INTO YOUR ONLINE CLASSES ONCE A WEEK, know that the #1 factor linked with good grades and SUCCESS IN COLLEGE is REGULAR and FREQUENT class attendance (Yes...it's just the same as for both ON LINE and ON CAMPUS COURSES...BEING INVOLVED AND ENGAGED HELPS YOU SUCCEED!).

If you are not familiar with AC CONNECT, ALL AC COURSES HAVE AN ONLINE COMPONENT, whether they are ONLINE OR TRADITIONAL ON CAMPUS COURSES or A BLEND OF BOTH CALLED HYBRID COURSES.  Be sure you use the STUDENT TOOLS and HELP WITH BLACKBOARD tutorials, and you can call the AC HELPDESK at 371-5000, as well as get help in the LIBRARY on WASHINGTON STREET on the 4th with the staff there! You can also get help in any of the COMPUTER LABS across campus!

We want you to do great in your AC classes, so please LET US HELP YOU! If we don't know your difficulties, we cannot be of service!  Also, call me if you want some help with the course materials!  REMEMBER: The best way to get me is on my cellphone! I’m always happy to answer your questions if I can!   ~THANKS! DR. HARDING

Calendar

Additional Information

HOW TO REVIEW YOUR EXAMS & QUIZZES, and VIEW GRADES, INSTRUCTOR's FEEDBACK COMMENTS AND RUBRICS FOR YOUR LABS AND DISCUSSIONS:

  You can REVIEW YOUR EXAMS AND QUIZZES ONCE THE DUE DATE AND TIME HAS PASSED. In order to review your exams, click on MY GRADES TAB, go to the exam or quiz in the list that you want to review and Click on the exam.  It will show you what you missed.  In order to view your assignments, discussions, papers, and other work for YOUR INSTRUCTOR’s FEEDBACK, again, go to MY GRADES tab in the left hand menu, click.  Find the item you want to look at in the LIST (they are not necessarily in order...sorry!).  Click on that and you will see a place that says RUBRIC and COMMENTS.  Click on comments to see anything your instructor has said, and click on RUBRIC to view the rubric grading system and how your instructor graded you.  PLEASE...this instructor SPENDS A LOT OF TIME to give you CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK...USE IT and make corrections accordingly! If you keep making the same error time and again, YOUR GRADES WILL CONTINUE TO GO DOWN!  I expect you to USE THE FEEDBACK I GIVE YOU TO BECOME A BETTER STUDENT and to IMPROVE IN YOUR SCHOOL WORK!