Developmental Psychology Psychology 307 501 Texas A M University Course Syllabus Fall 2015 Instructor Dr Brigit van Widenfelt Course Information M W F 1 50 2 40 Room PSYC 106 Contact email bvanwidenfelt tamu edu 979 845 0232 Office Hours Tues 9 30 10 30 or by appointment PSYC 288 TA Sara Dowd saradowd tamu edu Office Hours Fri 12 30 1 30 Room PSYC 228 Course Description and Goals This course is designed as an upper level course on human development from conception through adolescence with an emphasis on social emotional cognitive and physical development The central goal of this class is for you to gain knowledge and understanding of each developmental phase and the many factors that influence development You will learn about the research in the field of developmental psychology Topics covered will include Infant development effects of early experience language development family and peer relations social emotional development and more Learning outcomes think critically about the numerous factors including biology environment and cultural diversity that interact to influence development understand theories and research that explain and predict the changes people experience as they develop critically analyze and evaluate developmental research and popular media apply research knowledge to personal and societal issues Required Course Textbook Child Development by Robert Feldman 7th Edition Pearson 2016 Order REVEL digital version with loose leaf color print copy through TAMU BN bookstore ISBN 10 0134174070 ISBN 13 9780134174075 Child Development Books a la Carte Edition Plus REVEL Access Card Package 7 E Course Website The TAMU eCampus website http ecampus tamu edu will be used for this course Use your University Net ID and password to log in Outlines for note taking and additional materials will be uploaded to eCampus as well as test grades and EC assignment points E campus journal section will be used for students to upload assignments For questions about using ecampus please contact the CIS Central Help Desk at 979 845 8300 or helpdesk tamu edu How to get the most out of this course Students should be aware that time and effort will be required for this course Please review the course overview and plan ahead Three chapters of reading per unit are required Reading the assigned chapters and viewing extra materials ie videos attending and participating in class and taking notes is the best way to learn the material and to prepare for tests In addition to lecture 1 material and film clips a number of class debates and discussions writing assignments and test reviews will be part of class time Asking questions and discussing materials with your classmates also enhances learning Finally make the learning materials relevant to your life Try to seek out opportunities to interact with parents and children during the course Try to recall your own development as you learn about each phase ask family to help you I want you all to get as much as you can out of this course and succeed Human Development is fascinating I hope for a stimulating summer of learning together How you will be evaluated Students will be tested at the end of each unit to evaluate students mastery of unit content for a total of 5 tests see calendar schedule All tests will cover readings and lecture material covered since the previous test Test items will be multiple choice or true false questions Each test will have 40 items worth a point each for a total of 20 course points per test Please bring your ID a 2 pencil and scantron regular paper size 8 5 x 11 usually gray or tan in color with you to the tests Grades will be posted on eCampus as soon as possible after the test Additionally there will be an optional extra credit assignment for each unit to engage you in the topic for a total of 5 assignments see calendar schedule for due dates Assignments will be worth up to 4 points each for a total of 20 course points Do not ignore the importance of assignments as these can make a letter grade difference in your final grade Add all your points to calculate your course grade 90 100 A 80 89 B 70 79 C 60 69 D 59 and lower F TA grader The TA grader will grade and upload test grades and assignment points onto Ecampus as soon as possible after test administration or assignment due date The TA will hold office hours You can stop by or schedule an office appointment by emailing the TA If you have an interest in reviewing your test please do so within a week of test administration by making an appointment with the TA If you have a grading dispute this must be addressed within one week of the posted grade I will enforce this policy because 1 issues can be more accurately identified and resolved when the test or assignment is fresh in both my mind and yours and 2 the end of the semester gets as hectic for me and for you and I will not have time to reassess and change grades that were earned in an earlier portion of the semester What to do if you are having difficulties Make Up test policy Missing a test is a serious event To be excused you must provide written documentation of your visit to a health care professional signed by that health care professional affirming the date and time of your visit Besides personal illness requiring a physician s care a few other acceptable excused absences are allowed with appropriate documentation These are detailed in University rule 7 http student rules tamu edu rule07 The Attendance Policy described in the Texas A M University 2 Student Rules http student rules tamu edu will be strictly adhered to in situations in which a student is absent when tests are given As a solution to a missed test or low grade on a test an optional comprehensive make up exam will be offered on December 15th for those that either missed a test or would like to replace their lowest test grade with the make up final If you take this exam you can replace one test with the optional comprehensive exam grade provided the final exam grade is a higher grade The comprehensive exam will consist of 40 multiple choice items covering any topic taught in the course The rationale of a comprehensive exam at the end of the course is that the comprehensive exam will cover the test material you missed plus it will protect you from the stress of taking a makeup exam at the same time you are trying to catch up in all the other classes you missed In an exceptional case that a make up test is scheduled soon after a test rather than taking the