PSY 402 CHILD/ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT

CLASS: MWF 1:30- 2:20 in BR 357
PROFESSOR: Dr. Elizabeth Nawrot, Ph.D., email: nawrot@mnstate.edu
OFFICE: BR 360K. ph 477-4079; HOURS: MWF 12-1:30 & 2:30-3:30; Th 9-10:30
TEXTS: Shaffer Developmental Psychology; Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Childhood and Society; Annual Editions: Child Growth & Development
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a topically organized examination of cognitive, social, and emotional development from infancy through adolescence with emphasis on the experimental evidence and theoretical explanations. We will see how the infant is “prepared” to learn and develop within the contexts of heredity, the family, society, and culture. We will focus on both qualitative and quantitative changes that take place in thinking and behaving with a particular emphasis on the interaction between genetic and environmental influences. Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Students will be encouraged to critically examine empirical evidence and evaluate theories of child development that are presented throughout the course. Students will practice these skills by reading and reporting on a series of articles targeting current issues and classic research in child development.
Pre-requisite: 6 credits of Psy (preferably Psy 202 and a research methods course) & Junior standing.

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ASSIGNMENTS: 1. Exams (500 pts.) There are 5 exams, worth 100 pts. each. Exams are non-comprehensive and will include definitions, multiple choice, and short essays. 2. Topic oral reports (50 pts). There are 9 “Topic” reading assignments throughout the course consisting of readings from the (TS) taking sides and (AE) annual edition reader. Each student is required to present an oral report based on one of these readings. If you prefer, you may work with a partner and present both sides of one of the “Taking Sides” articles.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS & MISSED EXAMS: Makeup tests will only be available to students who contact the instructor and can provide valid documentation of illness or family emergency by the next class period- no exceptions. The time, place, and format for makeup tests is at the instructor’s discretion. Written reports that are turned in late will receive partial credit, but none will be accepted after one week late. Students who cannot adhere to the stated assignment deadlines, test dates, or those who have excessive absences, are advised to drop this course and re-take it at a time when they can participate at the required level.

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES: It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of all information in the syllabus, including dates and procedures for exams, assignments, and grading; to attend class regularly and be responsible for all information given, including information pertaining to assignment or test dates, corrections, additions or deletions to coursework and materials, and announcements; to complete the reading assignments before class, and take an active role in learning the material; to seek out help from the professor in a timely fashion; to monitor your own performance in this class, including keeping track of your exam grades.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-2131 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Respect your classmates and the professor during class. Behaviors such as eating, sleeping or reading the newspaper in class are unacceptable. Electronic devices are NOT allowed during class, including cell phones, iPods/MP3, headphones, etc. Exceptions will be made for laptop computers and recording devices only for students receiving Disability Services.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is the copying of someone else’s words, thoughts, or ideas without proper citation or credit. It is a form of cheating and will result in a failing grade in this course, so be sure you are completely familiar with the student’s code of conduct and definition of plagiarism in the MSUM student handbook.