NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Course title: Lifespan Growth & Development

Course prefix, number, and section number: PSYC 2314.0311

Semester/Year of course: Spring 2023

Semester start and end dates: 1-17-23 to 5-13-23

Modality:  ONLINE

Class meeting location, days, and times:  ONLINE ONLY

Lab meeting location, days, and times: N/A

Semester credit hours: 48

Course description: Life-Span Growth and Development is a study of social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors and influences of a developing human from conception to death.

Course prerequisites: none

Required course materials: Santrock, John. A Topical Approach to Life-Span Development. 10th Edition. McGraw Hill.  Connect Access ISBN: 9781264562541.

Name of instructor: Carolynn Pravatta

Office location: Denton Campus by appointment only

E-mail address: cpravatta@nctc.edu

Office hours for students: Available by appt. via phone/zoom/in person Denton campus

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

List of graded assignments: 6 Activities, 6 discussions, attendance/participation, final paper

Final grade scale: 

Activities (6) 8% each                    =     48%                          A – 90%-100%

Discussions (6) 5% each               =   30%                            B – 80%-89%

Attendance & Participation 7%     =    7%                             C – 70%-79%

2% Intro Week – 5% Overall participation for semester    D - 60%-69%

Final APA Paper 15%                     =     15%                           F – 0 - 59%                       

                                          ___________                                    TOTAL                               100%             

Late work policy: I do not accept late work for this class. My reason for this is simple. Online classes depend on everyone doing their fair share and posting in a timely manner. Discussions and responses count on each of you being on time with your assignments. I state again… No late work will be accepted (except for extenuating circumstances). That means you must post on time or early. Keep in mind, only you are responsible for the grade you get.

Extra Credit: Extra Credit is offered throughout the semester. Extra credit will be given to those who seek out assistance from the writing center and/or Student Success Center on any/all writing assignments for this class. Every assignment can be taken to the writing center/SSC to be reviewed and given tips/suggestions on how to improve. Show proof (email or scan SSC slip) that you sought help, and you will receive extra credit. This means it is offered ALL THROUGHOUT the semester. You can also attend workshops that are related to writing/psychology that will earn extra points as well. NOTE: Extra credit is to enhance your grade. NOT make up for missed assignments. Therefore, if you have more than one missed assignment or discussion you may not qualify for extra credit. Any questions please ASK! J Please do not ask about extra credit in the last two weeks of class, you will be redirected here.

SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.

ONLINE COURSES

Netiquette Expectations:  Standards of courtesy and respect must be maintained at all times in all areas pertaining to the online aspects of this course. Feel free to communicate with each other within the Canvas space, but remember that it is still a “classroom” setting and that respect and consideration are crucial for any intellectual discussion or conversation relative to the course. Any violation of the standards of appropriate behavior online will be reported to the Dean of Students and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the college.

Minimum Student Skills: Ability to access Internet, attach files using Microsoft WORD as needed, take online assessments (quizzes & exams) if applicable; ability to use NCTC’s online Library access to research professional journals & resources; ability to post discussion responses as instructed; ability to access Writing Center services for assistance as needed.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. Netiquette is appropriate communication while online. It is imperative that you act accordingly while posting on Canvas.
2. Please respect your peers. Opinions and different perspectives are an important part of leaning and expanding your mind. Respecting those whose opinions differ from yours will be expected.
3. Please be sure you have access to a reliable computer (not just a phone or Tablet). To view videos you need high-speed internet and flash player plug-in. It will be necessary for you to have an understanding of the following:

1. Create, save, attach and send files.
2. Cut/paste items from a word program.
3. Spelling and Grammar check.
4. Save, delete, reply and forward email.
5. Be able to access the internet and search for information.

COURSE POLICIES

Academic Integrity Policy: Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy: I take this policy very seriously. If you are suspected of plagiarism, you will be warned once and then reported to the Dean. See Turnitin tips on home page of canvas. Plagiarism is NOT ACCEPTABLE IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. Because this class consists of writing and giving examples, it is tempting to do some simple, “copy and paste” work. DO NOT DO THIS. Really. If your assignments contain plagiarism, you will get a ZERO for that assignment. Furthermore, if it happens again, you will reported to the dean of students.

Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Additional Instructor-specific Absence Policy: As an online class, you will be expected to check in 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK as there will be discussions and responses that you will need to be a part of. You will be expected to participate and interact with peers in discussions throughout the week. Attendance and participation are crucial to learning and expanding your critical thinking.

Withdrawal Policy

A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form. 

Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is:  April 3, 2023

Student Learning Outcomes: (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Describe the stages of the developing person at different periods of the life span from birth to death.
2. Discuss the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that affect the development process of the individual.
3. Identify factors of responsible personal behavior with regard to issues such as sexual activity, substance abuse, marriage and parenting.
4. Explain the biosocial, cognitive and psychological influences throughout the lifespan as an ongoing set of processes, involving both continuity and change.
5. Describe the different developmental perspectives of the major theories of development (i.e. cognitive, learning, humanistic and psychodynamic).
6. Identify examples of some of the cultural and ethnic differences that influence development throughout the lifespan.
7. Discuss the various causes or reasons for disturbances in the developmental process.

Core Objectives: Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical and Quantitative, personal Responsibility, Social Responsibility

COLLEGE POLICIES

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.

ADA STATEMENT

NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.

STUDENT SERVICES

NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS