TEXT: Lifespan Development, by John W. Santrock, Twelfth Edition, 2009, McGraw-Hill.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (PSY 231-232) Investigates human behavior through the life cycle. Describes physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of human development from conception to death. (MECC Catalog)

GENERAL CLASS POLICIES/CONSIDERATIONS: It is expected of all students that they respect the right and privilege of their fellows to express their thoughts, ideas and opinions freely within the context of class discussions. The classroom environment shall be a relaxed and open forum for presentation and discussion of topics relevant to the course.

*Please be considerate if you have a cell phone and turn it off or (if you must be available for family emergencies) keep it on silent.

GENERAL GOALS: The student will develop a working relationship with the terminology and basic concepts related to human development. The student will also develop an understanding of the processes of conception, prenatal development and birth; developmental stages during infancy and early childhood; and theories of language, personality, and cognitive development.

SCHEDULED TESTS - Five (5) scheduled tests will be administered. These tests will be objective; dates are in the reading schedule. Unless other arrangements are made, students missing a scheduled test will be expected to complete the make-up test at the end of the semester. An excusable reason must be given, documented by a doctor's excuse or relevant verbal explanation. (Make-up tests may not be the same as regular scheduled tests and may consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions.)

REPORTS: Students have the option of doing four (4) reports for extra credit. These reports will be on a topic chosen by the student, from a chapter covered before the test, and turned in on test day. These reports are worth up to five (5) points each (to be added to the test scores). Reports should consist of:

1. Cover page should contain the following: your name, chapter number, topic, and page number from the text (for your topic).
2. The reports are to be summarized from an article, or articles, found on the Internet (not Wikipedia).
3. They are to be a page-and-a-half to two-pages in length (typewritten / double-spaced / 10 or 12 font).
4. Last page should contain your source of information (URL address).

GRADING: The average of all grades taken will determine the final grade. Grading scale is: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-=69%=D, below 60%=F.

ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is required. When absence from a class is necessary, it is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor prior to the absence. The student is responsible for the subsequent completion of all work missed during an absence. (MECC Student Handbook) Mountain Empire Community College is committed to academic quality and student success. Elements that support both of these values are regular attendance and participation in class. The college policy states that regular class attendance is required. The attendance policy in this class is: A total of three (3) absences are permitted with no penalty. However, every absence after that may result in five (5) points for each absence being deducted from the final grade average. Students with excessive absences (25% by March 9) may be withdrawn. Should you need to be late on occasion, please enter the room quietly so as not to distract from the teaching-learning process of the class (three tardies will count as one absence). If you must leave class early, for justified reasons such as medical appointments, you are to discuss the situation with the instructor before that class period begins. Failure to get prior approval from the instructor for an early departure may result in an absence for that class period. If you are not in class, you are absent.

IMPORTANT: If the need should arise for you to drop any course, make sure you complete the “drop and add” procedure required by the college. Failure to do so will result in the recording of an “F” for your final grade. The instructor has no control over this process. Last day for students to withdraw without penalty or change from credit to audit is March 29.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: Students may request academic accommodations for disabilities through the Office of Student Services. That office will evaluate the request and make recommendations for appropriate and reasonable accommodations, which the student will provide to the instructor. Individuals requiring temporary handicapped parking accommodations due to short-term illness should also contact Student Services. All correspondence will be kept confidential.

EMERGENCY STATEMENT: In the event of a college-declared emergency, the instructor of the class will post instructions, and any additional assignments needed for completing the class, on the Internet web-site set up for the class. Students may also contact me at the email addresses listed below under “Student/Instructor Conferences”.

STUDENT/INSTRUCTOR CONFERENCES: I will be available to students before and after class meetings. If a need arises and you need to contact me other than at this time, you may do so by calling 276-523-2400 (please leave your message with the Secretary in “Arts and Sciences").

Students may also contact me by email.
My email address is “sam8110@comcast.net” or “sbaker@me.vccs.edu”.
This is the best way to contact me.

TU-TR / CHAPTER - TOPIC

Jan. 12 / Welcome
Jan. 14, 19 & 21 / 11 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence
Jan. 26, 28 & Feb. 2 / 12 - Socioemotional Development in Adolescence
Feb. 4 / TEST 1

Feb. 9, 11 & 16 / 13 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood
Feb. 18 / *Faculty Work Day – No Classes
Feb. 23, 25 & Mar. 2 / 14 - Socioemotional Development in Early Adulthood
Mar. 4 / TEST 2

Mar. 9 & 11 / 15 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood
Mar. 16 - 19 / *Spring Break – No Classes
Mar. 23, 25 & 30 / 16 - Socioemotional Development in Middle Adulthood
Apr. 1 / TEST 3

Apr. 6 / *Faculty Work Day – No Classes
Apr. 8 & 13 / 17 - Physical Development in Late Adulthood
Apr. 15 & 20 / 18 - Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood
Apr. 22 & 27 / 19 - Socioemotional Development in Late Adulthood
Apr. 29 / TEST 4

May 4 / 20 - Death and Dying
May 6 / TEST 5

May 10 - 13 / FINAL TESTS

Students will be held responsible for all materials covered in class, the text, and any other materials supplied by the instructor.

Remember – Unless other arrangements are made, all make-up tests will be given at the end of the semester (date TBA).

In order to make up for missed class time, due to bad weather conditions, the following actions may be taken: 1. outside homework/activities will be assigned, 2. class sessions may be held overtime, 3. as a last resort, classes may be held during spring break week.