Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - PSYC 250 D100

Introduction to Developmental Psychology (3)

Class Number: 8908

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2020
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Considers the psychological and physical aspects of human development from conception through middle childhood. Topics include social, emotional, language, cognitive, perceptual and physical development.

COURSE DETAILS:

Each week, the class will meet during lecture time (2 hr 50 min) either via live video conference (Blackboard Collaborate Ultra) or in the assigned lecture hall

Important Note about the Format of this Course
 This is a hybrid course, meaning that SOME OF THE CLASSES ARE IN-PERSON AND SOME ARE ONLINE. The dates for the in-person and online classes are clearly indicated in the syllabus below. On-line classes are highlighted in yellow. Online classes will be held through Canvas Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. It is very important to use Canvas Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, and not the standard version.
Computer Literacy and Equipment
Students are expected to be computer literature and familiar with the internet. You will be familiarized with how to log into the online classes during the first class. Students will need access to a Mac or Windows-based computer with multi-media capability (including a headset with microphone), high-speed Internet access, and Chrome, Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will provide you with a general introduction to major theories, research and methods in developmental psychology. Although I emphasize general connections, you must also know the details of the empirical evidence in order to understand the scope of the findings and the theories they support. We will cover topics such as prenatal and infant development, communication and language, attachment and early relationships, the media, and concepts and relationship with nature. In my own research, I study how experience early in life (specifically culture) shapes cognitive and social development therefore we will take a cross-cultural approach to many questions throughout the course.

Grading

  • Midterm Exam: 30%
  • Final Exam: 40%
  • Paper: 30%

NOTES:

Course Outcomes
 At the end of this course, you will be able to, 1) think critically about theories, methods, and research in developmental psychology, 2) outline the theoretical perspectives and guiding themes in the field, 3) describe empirical evidence and how it fits with current debates, 4) identify key points in an empirical research article and summarize them concisely, and 5) evaluate evidence and situate it within a broad framework.

Accommodations: Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion. 
University regulations state that "Students who miss examinations because of illness or for compassionate reasons are required to provide sufficient supporting documentation". If you are requesting accommodation for medical reasons, you must provide a Health Care Provider Statement Form: http://students.sfu.ca/forms/hcpsfGeneral.pdf. If you are requesting accommodation for other reasons, you must provide written notice 3 weeks prior to the exam. In the case of a missing an assignment, it must be submitted early. If your absence is not excused, you will be given a score of zero on the exam. There will be no makeup exams.

Grade Appeal If you are unhappy with your grade on an assignment or exam, first make an appointment to visit the TA who graded your exam or assignment to discuss. If you would like to appeal your grade, notify me in writing (not your TA) within 10 days of receiving your grade. Your assignment will be re-graded using the same assignment criteria by another grader, with the possibility that your grade will increase or decrease.
Academic Honesty Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is your responsibility to know what it is. Please review the following sites to ensure you understand what academic dishonesty is and how to avoid it:
http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html
http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/academic-integrity/plagiarism-tutorial

Class structure Each class will be 2 hr 50 min (170 min), with two short 10 min breaks
Grade Distribution (firm – no rounding) A=85.0%+; B=75.0%-84%; C=65.0%-74%; D=55.0%-64%; F=less than 55% Note that the range for + and – within each grade will be determined when final grades are being calculated – If you have any questions about this process, see me sooner rather than later. A+ is given only to students who excelled in ALL aspects of the course.

REQUIREMENTS:

Week    Date    online or in-class lecture
Week 1 Jan 7 In class
Week 2 Jan 14 In class
Week 3 Jan 21 ONLINE
Week 4 Jan 28 ONLINE
Week 5 Feb 4 ONLINE
Week 6 Feb 11 ONLINE
  Feb 18 Reading break no class
Week 7 Feb 25 In class - MIDTERM
Week 8 March 3 In class
Week 9 March 10 ONLINE
Week 10 March 17 ONLINE
Week 11 March 24 In class
Week 12 March 31 In class PAPER DUE BEFORE CLASS
Week 13 April 7 ONLINE
Exams April 14 - 25 FINAL EXAM

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Siegler, Saffran, Graham, Eisenberg, DeLoache & Gershoff, How Children Develop, Canadian 5th edition.

Registrar Notes:

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS