Psychology 30 - Course Outline

Mr. Loboda

Sept 2015-2016

Course Overview:

Psychology 30 is the study of human development across the time spans of human life. Students will learn about human growth and changes in behaviour associated with age (from conception to old age) and apply knowledge to investigate issues in their everyday lives.

 

Evaluation:
Tests & Quizzes:                   25%
Assignments:                        20%
Journal:                                 10%
Research Project:                 10%
Term Paper/Essay:              15%
Final Project:                         20%

 

Unit Topics:

 

What is Developmental Psychology? (5-10 hours)

• Introduction to developmental psychology

• Looking through the eyes of…what do you see?

• How do we make sense of our behaviour?

• Action research in developmental psychology

 

What is the developmental process before birth? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes from conception to birth

• Issues and challenges in becoming a parent

• Looking through the eyes of a fetus, what do you see?

• What is the process of biological development from conception to birth: genetics, heredity, stages of development

• Cognitive development from conception to birth

• Socioemotional development from conception to birth

• Process of labour and delivery

• Looking through the eyes of the systems of support

• Reproductive technologies for creating life

• Prenatal influences and issues for healthy development

• Action research in prenatal development

• Lifespan approach to prenatal development

 

What is the developmental process during infancy? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes during infancy

• Looking through the eyes of the infant, what do you see?

• Physical development during infancy

• Cognitive development during infancy

• Socioemotional development during infancy: temperament, personality, and early socialization

• Looking through the eyes of the system of support

• Action research in infant development

• Lifespan approach to development during infancy

 

What is the developmental process during early childhood? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes during early childhood

• Looking through the eyes of the young child

• Process of physical development

• Process of cognitive development

• Process of socioemotional development: personality, socialization, moral development, gender identity

• Looking through the eyes of the system of support

• Action research in early childhood development

• Lifespan approach to development during early childhood

 

What is the developmental process during middle childhood? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes during childhood

• Looking through the eyes of a child, what do you see?

• Physical and cognitive development during childhood

• Socioemotional changes during childhood: childhood issues

• Looking through the eyes of the system of support

• Action research in middle childhood development

• Lifespan approach to child development

 

What is the developmental process during adolescence? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes during adolescence

• Looking through the eyes of an adolescent, what do you see?

• Physical development during adolescence

• Cognitive development during adolescence

• Socioemotional changes during adolescence: self-understanding, self-concept, culture, gender, identity, mass media, issues

• Looking through the eyes of the systems of support

• Action research in adolescent development

• Lifespan approach to adolescent development

What is the developmental process during adulthood? (15-20 hours)

• Developmental changes during adulthood

• Looking through the eyes of an adult, what do you see?

• Socioemotional changes: attraction and intimacy, love, relationships, marriage and divorce, personality, senior citizens, careers, gender issues, retirement

• Looking through the eyes of the systems of support

• Action research in adult development

• Lifespan approach to adult development

 

Tests & Quizzes
Throughout the term there will be exams, the dates for these will be discussed and noted around a week in advance.

Assignments:
Assignments will include: Questions sheets, review assignments, definitions, research, essays, and group assignments. You should expect several assignments to be assigned for homework, they will always be due at the beginning of the next class.

Journal:
Though Journals are one type of assignment in Psy 30, they will be graded separately from the rest of the in class assignments. Journal Entries will be made periodically by you the student throughout the course of the year.  The journal will be helpful for documenting your learning as we work our way through the units.

 

Research Project:
Students will be expected to create a Research Project based around the content learned during the Psy 30 course. This will most likely involve a pamphlet that will outline expected developmental growth from an individual between a certain age group. More information on this to come.

 

Term Paper/Essay:
Students will create a dialectic essay pertaining to Developmental Psychology. Students will choose their own topics and argue/counter argue their perspectives in the paper. This will be worth a fairly sizable grade in the course.

Final Project:
The final project may be presentation in lieu of an examination. This presentation may be a Prezi, PowerPoint, Poster, or multimedia presentation. It will cover a specific developmental age group.  You are expected to be an expert of the topic during the presentation.
 

Finally

• Be on time and ready to engage yourself.

• Respect the rights of other students to learn during class time.

• If you run into any problems related to class or assignments, feel free to always come and speak with me.

• Put in your full effort… and have fun!