PSY 220 Developmental Psychology Fall 2021 On-line

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                         PSY 220 Developmental Psychology
                                      Fall 2021 On-line

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Sharon Blevins                Phone: (270) 991-4597
Email: sharon.blevins@wku.edu                 Office Hours: Mondays 3:00 – 5:00 PM
IT Helpdesk: 270-745-7000                     Blackboard: https://blackboard.wku.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 3 credit hours, This course will focus on the processes of psychological
development across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on theory and current research in
physical, cognitive, and social/personality development. Material will consist of assigned
readings and videos.

COURSE GOALS: This course is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the
theories and stages of psychological development, a basic understanding and appreciation for a
scientific approach to developmental psychology, and an interest in developmental psychology
that will encourage further study.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the social and behavioral sciences by describing the complex
ways in which humans grow and change over the life span. Students will explain the ways
human development is influenced by genetics, learning and a variety of social forces including
gender, race, social class, culture and subculture, and historical context. Students will be able to
describe the development of the body and nervous system, including health-related issues;
cognition and language; personality; emotions; and social behaviors.
2. Apply knowledge, theories, and research methods, including ethical conduct, to analyze
problems pertinent to the social and behavioral sciences by describing major themes and
theories in human development; explaining challenges a person must master at different points
in the life span, and read/analyze research as it is carried out in human development, including
methodological and ethical decisions, and express that knowledge in real world situations.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of social and behavioral sciences by conceptualizing diversity and
the ways it shapes human experience. Students will identify contributors to genetic diversity
from genetic variation to the influence of family, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status,
subculture/culture, and the historical context of development. Students will identify the
complex ways that these forces interact and influence the form and content of development.
4. Integrate knowledge of social and behavioral sciences into issues of personal or public
importance by identifying the personal relevance of course topics for their own development
and that of children, parents, and grandparents. Students will explain the application of these
topics to everyday situations and career opportunities.
5. Communicate effectively using the language and terminology germane to the social and
behavioral sciences by explaining the key constructs and terminology used in the field through
objective assessment.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND ACTIVITIES: Video clips, discussion, application presentation,
and textbook readings.

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Required Textbook/Program:
Feldman, Robert S. (2018) Discovering the Life Span, 4th Edition: University of Massachusetts at
Amherst, Pearson REVEL

PACKBACK is required for our discussions and the link to sign up is found below. Their fee will
be charged through the WKU bookstore and is approximately $30. This is a method that will be
much more inclusive and engaging for all of us and increases learning potential.

Packback Questions
Participation is a requirement for this course, and the Packback Questions platform will be used
for online discussion about class topics. Packback Questions is an online community where you
can be fearlessly curious and ask open-ended questions to build on top of what we are covering
in class and relate topics to real-world applications.
Packback Requirements:
Your participation on Packback will count toward 10% of your overall course grade.

There will be a Weekly Sunday at 11:59PM CST deadline for submissions. In order to
receive full credit, you should submit the following per each deadline period:

     1 open-ended Question every week as indicated on the syllabus and Blackboard, with a
   minimum Curiosity Score of 40, worth 5 pts of each assignment grade
    2 Responses every week with a minimum Curiosity Score of 40, worth 5pts of each
   assignment grade for a total of 15 points.

      Half credit will be provided for questions and responses that do not meet the minimum
   curiosity score.

How to Register on Packback:
An email invitation will be sent to you from help@packback.co prompting you to finish
registration. If you don’t receive an email (be sure to check your spam), you may register by
following the instructions below:

   1. Create an account by navigating to https://questions.packback.co and clicking “Sign up
   for an Account”
   Note: If you already have an account on Packback you can log in with your credentials.

   2. Then enter our class community’s lookup key into the “Looking to join a community you
   don't see here?” section in Packback at the bottom of the homepage.
      Community Lookup Key: cc19de36-65c0-49f8-a96a-dbefeb51322e

   3. Follow the instructions on your screen to finish your registration.

       Packback may require a paid subscription. Refer to www.packback.co/product/pricing for
       more information.

How to Get Help from the Packback Team:

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If you have any questions or concerns about Packback throughout the semester, please
read their FAQ at help.packback.co. If you need more help, contact their customer support team
directly at help@packback.co.

For a brief introduction to Packback Questions and why we are using it in class, watch this
video: vimeo.com/packback/Welcome-to-Packback-Questions

First, because this is an online class, I recommend these things to you:
Make Sure You Know How to Use Blackboard
Bb Student User Training
If you have not used Blackboard a lot, or if this is your first online class, I highly recommend
signing up for and completing the Blackboard Student User Training. These are topical modules
that even those who have used Blackboard a lot have told me are helpful.
To sign up, go to Blackboard and sign in, and click the IT TRAINING tab (top, toward the right,
black with white writing). Look for IT Blackboard Student User Training… you will gain instant
access upon signing up. Again, no credit for this for the class, and not required, but it could be
very helpful for you and important for your success!

WKU Distance Learning Student Resource Center
You may also want to visit the WKU Student Resource Center through by clicking this link: WKU
Student Resource Center

Use of Technology
This is an online course where all required work will be completed online through the use of
Blackboard and the Internet. If you do not know how to use Blackboard, tutorials are available
online (see page 1).
Work must be submitted in the space provided for it on Blackboard. Papers/essays must be
submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf file format, or else I can’t open/grade them. Papers not submitted
in one of those file formats will receive a zero grade. Emailed assignments will not be accepted
unless I specifically ask you to submit that way.

If you have a problem and call the IT Help Desk, forward me a copy of the email they send
you that opened your case if they are not able to resolve it immediately so that I know what’s
going on. Most students are honest and progress through courses without any concerns,
however, due to the occasional incident I have to employ these methods.

Other Items Needed
      Access to a computer (preferably your own) with a reliable Internet connection.

      Microsoft Word or word processing software saves files in .doc, .docx, or .rtf file format

      Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free download from Adobe.com

COVID-19

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All students are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of respect for the health
and safety of the WKU community and in adherence with CDC guidelines and practices of all
public universities and colleges in Kentucky, the University requires that a cloth face
covering (reusable or disposable) that covers both the nose and mouth must be worn at all
times when in public areas within all buildings. Students must properly wear face coverings
while in class regardless of the room size or the nature of the classroom activities. Students
who fail to wear a face covering as required will be in violation of the WKU Student Code of
Conduct and will be asked to comply or will face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal
from the University. Accommodations can be requested in special cases through the Student
Accessibility and Resource Center (SARC): 270-745-5004 (voice), 270-745-3030 (TTY), or 270-
288-0597 (video).

All students must immediately report a positive Covid-19 test result or close contact with a
person who has tested positive to the Covid-19 Assistance Line at 270-745-2019. The assistance
line is available to answer questions regarding any Covid-19 related issue. This guidance is
subject to change based on requirements set forth by public health agencies or the office of the
governor. Please refer to the Healthy on the Hill website for the most current
information. www.wku.edu/healthyonthehill

Any future changes to COVID policies after the posting of this syllabus can be found at:
https://www.wku.edu/syllabusinfo/

Writing Center Assistance: The Writing Center on the Bowling Green campus is offering only
remote assistance to writers during the covid-19 pandemic. WKU students may request
feedback on their writing via email or arrange a real-time Zoom conference to discuss a paper.
See instructions and how-to videos on the website (www.wku.edu/writingcenter) for making
online synchronous (Zoom) or asynchronous (email) appointments. Students may also get short
writing questions answered via email; just put “Quick question” in the subject line to
(writingcenter@wku.edu).

The Learning Center Peer Tutoring Services
The Learning Center (TLC) provides free tutoring services that empower students to achieve academic
success. Trained peer tutors are available to review course content, answer questions, and demonstrate
effective study strategies. TLC offers individual appointments and group sessions (PASS) for hundreds of
undergraduate courses. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.wku.edu/tlc.

Attendance Policy
Online attendance is monitored. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the class if
they do not wish to continue enrollment past the first week.

Office Hours:
I am generally able to answer calls from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (CT) Monday-Friday unless I am in a
meeting. Texting is one way to communicate, however, please use professional language and use
other methods for more detailed conversations. Email is good method for communication if the
question does not require an immediate response. I will check my email when I am at my desk
during the week, and I check it at least two times per day on weekends. You should normally get

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an email answer within 24 hours. I can make arrangement to meet with you on the main campus
if necessary as well. Please remember to communicate in writing as a professional with
appropriate use of language as you would any other professional exchange. I am happy to help
you, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Student Email and Blackboard Announcements
All students should check their WKU email accounts at least twice per week and the Blackboard
Announcements page each time they log in. New announcements will appear at the top of the
page, so read until you get to information you already know. Not checking email/reading the
Announcements is not an excuse for not knowing of information given via those mediums.

GRADING / EVALUATION:

Module and video quizzes, chapter exams, and discussions will comprise your evaluation
activities. If you need assistance with concepts you have missed I am happy to work with you.

Grading Scale: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F = 00-59%

Students with Disabilities
In compliance with University policy, students with disabilities who require academic and/or
auxiliary accommodations for this course must contact the Student Accessibility Resource Center
located in Downing Student Union, 1074. SARC can be reached by phone number at 270-745-
5004 [270-745-3030 TTY] or via email at sarc.connect@wku.edu. Please do not request
accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a faculty notification letter
(FNL) from The Student Accessibility Resource Center.

Title IX: Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic
origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, or physical or mental
disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or
employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX
of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised
1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Under these policies, discrimination, harassment and/or sexual misconduct based on sex/gender
are prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex/gender-based discrimination, harassment
and/or sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator, Andrea
Anderson, 270-745-5398 or Title IX Investigators, Michael Crowe, 270-745-5429 or Joshua Hayes,
270-745-5121.

Please note that while you may report an incident of sex/gender based discrimination,
harassment and/or sexual misconduct to a faculty member, WKU faculty are “Responsible
Employees” of the

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University and MUST report what you share to WKU’s Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Investigator.
If you would like to speak with someone who may be able to afford you confidentiality, you may
contact WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center at 270-745-3159.

COURSE POLICIES:
1. Late assignments
Assignments will be accepted beyond the due date and time with a deduction of 50%. This
accrues the minute after the time expires. As a professional, you need to adhere to deadlines
and will need to manage your time accordingly. Prior to an assignment due date, you need to
complete the work within a period of time that will allow you to have all aspects ready
including uploading and checking the upload. Allow for the unexpected and plan ahead and
around your other commitments.

2. Academic Integrity
I hope your focus is on learning and that you will have no des ire to engage in cheating or
plagiarism. Do not send “corrupted files” when an assignment is due. This is a technique
cheaters use to get more time on assignments as stated earlier. All written work will be checked
for plagiarism through the Packback system and Revel.
Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero for that assignment. If the same
student is caught again, the student will receive an “F” for the course.

REQUIRED ACTIVITIES:
Keep this information and review it frequently to make sure you are completing everything
required during the week. Also, expect to proceed through each lesson week by week. Lessons
will include notes of important information you should study and remember, videos that will
help you remember important concepts, and additional readings that will be helpful. All items
provided will be useful to prepare for quizzes, exams, and meeting learning objectives.

    1. Discussion Boards/Readings
Discussions are all required and part of your course grade. They are NOT optional. Here are
some rules/guidelines to help you be sure to gain maximum credit on each board. An in-depth
original post as well as a peer comment that is meaningful and includes relevant information is
required for each discussion assignment. Remember, discussions should reflect your reading
and study of the material with the expectation that you have spent several hours preparing for
discussions and assignments.
     1. Remember that the Discussion Boards are supposed to take the place of face-to-face class
         meetings. Our discussions will require you to create a discussion question for your
         classmates as your original post. Your original post should take place prior to or on
         Wednesday of the discussion assignment in order to allow all students to read and
         respond. Go back and respond later in the week in order to provide a thorough response
         to two different peer’s questions.

    2. Type your postings directly rather than attaching a file. Your first post to each board will
        be graded as the original post and should not be your attempt to gain access to the
        discussions of the class.
    3. Your postings should be MEANINGFUL and use detailed paragraphs. Citations should be

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        used as appropriate.

    4. A minor portion of your discussion posts are based on grammar, spelling, punctuation, or
        documentation, but if you make excessive mistakes, I will warn you. If you do not
        improve after that, I will begin deducting points for those errors in keeping with
        professional communication etiquette.

    5. IM- and texting-speak are not permitted and will gain you a grade of 0 if it is habitual.
    6. There will be 10 discussion assignments for a total of 15 points possible for each. Five
        points are devoted to your original question and 5 points are devoted to each of the two
        responses to your peers. Discussion boards cannot be made up for any reason as they
        involve the whole class and have a full week of opportunity.

2. Quizzes
There will be several quizzes throughout the semester. These quizzes will be time-limited. You
will be allowed 3 attempts to take the quizzes, but will lose 1 point for each attempt beyond
the 1st. Therefore, you will not be able to save your quiz or tests and return to them later. These
can be done independently without the testing center.

3. Exams
The format of the exams will consist of multiple-choice items and will assess your overall
learning of each chapter.
I will make sure you have adequate feedback on an individual basis and welcome dialogue that
is designed to improve your learning of the material. The exams are open for a full week, so it is
up to you to schedule your time and complete the exams prior to the deadline.
Missing an exam: I strongly encourage you not to miss an exam. If you do miss an exam, you
will need to provide documentation that establishes your reason for missing the full week, such
as a physician’s excuse or accident report submitted to your instructor within 24 hours. On-line
courses have the option of a window of time for assessments and it is up to you to plan your
schedule.

4. Final Exam
The final exam will be the last chapter exam and will not be cumulative.

      All weekly assignments will be open to you on Mondays and deadlines will remain
       Sunday at midnight at the end of each week for discussions, quizzes, and exams. It is in
       your best interest to attempt to complete and submit assignments well before that
       deadline to avoid any problems.

Weekly
   Schedule: Subject to change

       DATE                    TOPIC               READINGS                   DUE

 August 23-30           Introduction            Chapter 1              Discussion 1

 Week 1                                                                 Quizzes in Ch. 1

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                                                     Chapter Exam
August 30-Sept. 5   The Start of Life    Chapter 2   Quizzes in Ch. 2
Week 2

September 6-12      The Start of Life    Chapter 2   Discussion 2
                                         Continued
Week 3                                               Chapter Exam 2

September 13-19     Infancy              Chapter 3   Discussion 3

Week 4                                               Ch. 3 Quizzes

September 20-26     Infancy              Chapter 3   Ch. 3 Exam
Week 5

September 27-Oct.3 The Preschool Years   Chapter 4   Discussion 4

Week 6                                               Ch. 4 Quizzes
                                                     Ch. 4 Exam

October 4-10        Middle Childhood     Chapter 5   Ch. 5 Quizzes
Week 7                                               Ch. 5 Exam

                                                     Discussion 5

October 11-17       Adolescence          Chapter 6   Discussion 6
Week 8                                               Ch. 6 Quizzes

October 18-24       Adolescence          Chapter 6   Ch. 6 Quizzes

Week 9                                               Ch. 6 Exam

October 25-31       Early Adulthood      Chapter 7   Ch. 7 Quizzes

Week 10

November 1-7        Early Adulthood      Chapter 7   Discussion 7
                                         Continued
Week 11                                              Ch. 7 Exam

November 8-14       Middle Adulthood     Chapter 8   Discussion 8

Week 12                                              Ch. 8 Quizzes
                                                     CH. 8 Exam

November 15-21      Late Adulthood       Chapter 9   Discussion 9
Week 13                                              Ch. 9 Quizzes

                                                     Ch. 9 Exam

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Nov.   22nd – 26th                                No Class
No Class

November 29-Dec.     Death & Dying   Chapter 10   Discussion 10
5
                                                  Ch. 10 Quizzes
Week 14

December 6-10        Death & Dying   Chapter 10   Ch. 10 Exam Due
                                                  Friday Dec. 10
Week 15