Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PSYC 359 D100

Developmental Disabilities (3)

Class Number: 3172

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and PSYC 250 (or PSYC 241).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Developmental disorders and disabilities. Topics include genes and environment, peer and parent-child relationships, social attitudes, diversity, ethical issues, and behavioural therapies. Students who have credit for PSYC 391, Selected Topics in Psychology:Developmental Disabilities, may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Developmental disability is an essential area of study for both students interested in the development of children generally and those interested in promoting the development of children with developmental disabilities. In this course we will cover controversial debates about the role of genes and environments in typical and atypical development, the role of peer and parent-child relationships in shaping development. Social attitudes and policies with regard to diversity and ethical issues surrounding genetic screening and behavioural therapies will also be discussed. Select developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum and Down’s syndrome are reviewed and discussed with regard to diagnosis, assessment and developmental trajectories. We will discuss clinical interventions considering the “whole child” within the context of families, communities, and societies. Best suited for students with prior course work in developmental psychology or developmental psychopathology.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students acquire an understanding of the history and achievements in the field of developmental disabilities.
  • Students develop a deeper understanding of the link between theory and research.
  • Students acquire expertise in research methods and evaluating evidence.    
  • Students become familiar with diagnostic systems, criteria and limitations.
  • Students gain understanding of the whole person with disability throughout the lifespan   
  • Students contextualize developmental disabilities within social systems.  

Grading

  • • Critical review paper (10 pages): 25%
  • • Group Oral Debate (individually marked): 25%
  • • Class tests (2): 50%

NOTES:

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required text. We will use selected articles and chapters.  

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.