COURSE RATIONALE

The rationale and purpose of this course is to allow the student an opportunity to discuss, study, and apply the material presented in this course.  At the end of the course, the student will be able to do the following:

Demonstrate understanding of basic human development from conception through end of life.  

Demonstrate understanding of the theories pertaining to human growth and development.

Demonstrate the ability to explain the physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of humans throughout the lifespan.

The Developing Person Through the Life Span - Tenth Edition by Kathleen Stassen Berger, Worth Publishers, Macmillan Learning

COURSE DESCRIPTION

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES & SCANS

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes:

• Understand psychological concepts and be able to recognize them in real-world contexts.
• Acquire a basic understanding of major perspectives in the field.
• Gain an awareness of the breadth of the academic discipline of psychology.
• Understand the various research methods psychologists use and critically evaluate evidence.

Syllabus for

PSYCHOLOGY 2314 

HUMAN GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

FALL SEMESTER 2024

16 Week Session

COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week:  3

COURSE RATIONALE

The rationale and purpose of this course is to allow the student an opportunity to discuss, study, and apply the material presented in this course.  At the end of the course, the student will be able to do the following:

Demonstrate understanding of basic human development from conception through end of life.  

Demonstrate understanding of the theories pertaining to human growth and development.

Demonstrate the ability to explain the physical, cognitive and psychosocial development of humans throughout the lifespan.

PREREQUISITES:   PSYC 2301 with a grade of C or better, or concurrent registration in PSYC 2301.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES & SCANS

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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.

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes:

• Understand psychological concepts and be able to recognize them in real-world contexts.
• Acquire a basic understanding of major perspectives in the field.
• Gain an awareness of the breadth of the academic discipline of psychology.
• Understand the various research methods psychologists use and critically evaluate evidence.

According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Lower Division Academic Course Guide Manual:

Program Level Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand:

• the application of scientific inquiry to human growth and development and the prenatal development of human beings.
• the biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial issues related to early childhood and middle childhood development.
• the biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial issues related to adolescent development.
• the biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial issues related to adult human development.
• the biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial issues related to older adult human development as well as death and dying.

GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR PSYC 2314

Critical Thinking Skills

§ Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

Communication Skills

§ Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written,

oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills

§ Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

Personal Responsibility

§ Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by

connecting choices, actions and consequences.

Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness)

§ Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic

traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence,

knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in

regional, national, and global communities.

Teamwork

§Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively

in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

The Developing Person Through the Life Span - Tenth Edition by Kathleen Stassen Berger, Worth Publishers, Macmillan Learning

NOTE:  All students should have reliable access to internet services, as all aspects of this course will be online.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Lectures, interactive lectures, class activities, discussions, films, field work and Blackboard may all be utilized.  Students will use the Blackboard learning management system mainly for exams, but may also use Blackboard for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.  To access Blackboard from the main ACC website (austincc.edu) and for help with Blackboard, go to:  http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/StudentSupport.php.  Here is a link showing you how to navigate the Blackboard environment:  https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/article-categories/bb-help-desk/.  (You may need to copy and paste these links into a new tab in your browser.)  Current periodicals, media, and professional journal articles may also be utilized to relay current information in psychology and/or to serve as topics in the applications of psychological principles and the analysis of human behavior.

DISTANCE EDUCATION (for online or hybrid courses only)

If you are new to online learning, please be aware that there are differences between online and traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, online courses will require you to learn and implement time management and study skills required to be a successful online student.  Please review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq.

GRADING SYSTEM

*There will be eight (8) exams (none of them are comprehensive).  The exams are open note/open book.  Each exam is weighted equally toward your total grade.

THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP TESTS!!  If you do not take your exam by the deadline date, no points will be earned. You have 4 days (from Thursday to Sunday) to complete & submit each exam in Blackboard, so please plan appropriately so that each is exam is completed and submitted by the deadline indicated.  Try to take each exam on Thursday, when the Exam becomes available so that you can deal with any issues appropriately and have enough time to submit the Exam online before the deadline.

Actual deadline dates for each exam is subject to change per the instructor’s discretion.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you attend class/pay attention to any announcements, emails, etc. to ensure that you know when each exam will be administered / deadline date to submit.

TESTS:  Tests/exams will be administered online in Blackboard and will mainly consist of multiple-choice questions from the test bank and from additional material.  Tests/exams may also include fill-in-the-blanks, short essay/listing, matching and diagram labeling.  Students are required to supply their own scantron forms (if needed) and pencils for each exam.  Testing procedures may be changed as the semester progresses. 

NOTE:  Instructor will determine if tests will be taken online, in the testing center or in class.  At this time, all exams are scheduled to be taken online with a deadline date to submit.  Typical exam submission deadline dates will be on Sundays by midnight.

NOTE:  The instructor will supplement text materials with information that is not in the book.  Therefore, it is important that students review all information and do not miss class, pay attention to emails, announcements, Blackboard, etc..

All grades will be posted in BlackBoard. Please make sure that you pay attention to your grades on Blackboard.  If you don’t have a grade posted for an Exam immediately after you take the exam, then something has gone wrong and the system does not recognize that you completed and submitted your exam.  We must take care of these issues immediately!  Once the semester is over, it may be too late to make any grade changes. 

Grading Scale/Points

Attendance/Class Participation  (as applicable)

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. According to the 2019-2020 Academic Calendar, the Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is 11/21/24.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

As stated previously:  THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP TESTS!!  Any missed tests/exams will count as a zero (“0”). 

Actual due dates of each exam, discussion, etc. may be changed.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you attend class, pay attention to e-mails, announcements, Blackboard, etc. to ensure that you are aware of any changes.

Incompletes

The instructor does not administer incompletes for this course.  It is expected that each student will complete all required exams as administered throughout the semester.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

COLLEGE POLICIES

These are statements of which all students should be aware and which are consistent across the institution.  

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentially, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .  While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Exam & other class grades will be posted in BlackBoard.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

 Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

This instructor does not typically utilize the testing center as all exams are administered during class time.  Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• Drop-in child care is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)