Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - PSYC 450 D100

Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology (4)

Psychosocial Development

Class Number: 3115

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 5, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Joanna Peplak
    jpeplak@sfu.ca
    Office: TBA
    Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00pm - 2:00pm or by appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201, 210, 250 and 60 units, and a CGPA of 3.0. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

PSYC 450:  Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology (Moral Development Through the Lens of Emotion)

This course explores the emotional foundations of morality. Students will learn about various moral (e.g., empathy) and immoral (e.g., greed) emotions, how they develop from infancy through adolescence and early adulthood, and the ways in which these emotions contribute to becoming a “good” person. Issues to be addressed include nativist and biological foundations versus developmental and socialization perspectives on origins of (im)moral emotions, (im)moral emotions as motivators of behavior, and debates about the (mal)adaptivity of (im)moral emotions across cultures and contexts.

Grading

  • Writing Assignments: 15%
  • Term Paper/Project: 30%
  • Presentation: 25%
  • Participation: 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students are not required to purchase a textbook for this course. All readings (book chapters and articles) will be provided.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.