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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 221"
COURSE NAME: "Child Development"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Dorell Karin
HOURS: TTH 13:00-14:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PS 101
OFFICE HOURS: Before/after class and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the complexity of human development and the biological, psychological and social factors that affect it. Students will be asked to critically discuss and integrate different theoretical perspectives, cultural and environmental influences in order to gain a deeper understanding of the field of child development
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This is a broad-based course that explores child development from a multidisciplinary perspective. Both theoretical and practical aspects of development are presented and examined within a multicultural context. The course will explore the complexity and continuity of development from the prenatal stage through adolescence.  The course will also focus on attachment and the adult influence on children’s development.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By completing this course, you should meet each learning objective listed below.

1. Understand the evolution and impact of theoretical perspectives on the current understanding of the field of child development.

2. Gain basic knowledge of the typical physical, emotional and cognitive changes of each developmental phase.

3. Understand and discuss the social, cultural and family influences on the developing child

4. Gain the ability to critically read and discuss different research techniques used in child psychology.

5. Gain the ability to discuss and critically analyze ethical issues related to the study of child psychology.

6. Understand how various influences during childhood affect the development of adult psychopathology

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Infants, Children, and Adolescents international edition 7th editionLaura BerkPearson Higher educationISBN13: 9780205008810     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
2 non cumulative exams 20% each
final exam 30%
Attendance, class participation and group activities 20%
Paper 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is mandatory. Absences beyond 3 hours will affect the final grade.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

This is only intended as a tentative schedule. Topics may take more or less time to cover than indicated below.
SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Section I: FoundationsHistory, theories of development and methodschapter 1  
Section II: Prenatal phase and birthPrenatal development and birthChapters 3,4   
Section III: Infancy and toddlerhoodDevelopment ages 0-2Chapters 5,6,7 Exam I February 23rd
Section IV: Early ChildhoodDevelopment ages 2-6Chapters 8,9,10  
Section V: Middle childhood and adolescenceDevelopment ages 6-11Chapters 11,12,13 Exam II March 29th
Section VI: Adolescence and early adulthoodDevelopment ages 11-18Chapters 14,15,16,17 Cumulative Final Exam May 3rd 6PM