Course Overview

General Information:

Text: Dacey, J,, & Tavers, J. (1994). Human Development Across the Lifespan (4th Ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Instructor: Debra Valencia-Laver

Phone: 756-1603

Email: dlvalenc@calpoly.edu

Homepage: http://www.calpoly.edu/~dlvalenc

Office Hours: Mondays 1 —2, Wednesdays 9-10, or Tuesdays by appointment

Course Objectives:

The purpose of this class is to explore and understand current theories, issues, and explanations regarding development throughout the lifespan in the areas of cognitive, emotional, and social development. In addition, we will examine the sociocultural contexts in which development takes place. Throughout our exploration of the current status of developmental psychology, you will be asked to think critically about what we know and how we know it, and to be aware of the biases in your own views and those you study.

Lectures, films, and activities will expand on single subjects within the chapter, so regular attendance is strongly encouraged. Since we will be covering 2 chapters a week with approximately 50-60 pages of reading with quizzes scheduled every week, it is important to keep up with the reading.

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Course Requirements and Grades:

The final exam will be worth 50 points and will be comprehensive in nature. The written assignments are worth 40 points each. These assignments will help you explore different topics of your own choosing about developmental psychology.

Final grades will be determined using the following scale:
 

Syllabus:

* worth 25 points