Course Description
Examination of current theories and empirical research concerned with perceptual and cognitive development. Prerequisite: Grade of at least C- in PSY 250 or HDF 111; concurrent enrollment in PSY 311 OR previous credit for PSY 311.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Learn to critically analyze and discuss cognitive developmental research using the principles of scientific thinking.
Demonstrate content knowledge of the major theories and key aspects of cognitive development in childhood and how they apply to everyday life.
Develop an awareness and understanding of individual and cultural differences in cognitive development.
Refine research design and speaking skills through discussion, activities, and assignments.
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
In-class activities (5 points each) | 100 points, 50% |
Research critique and reflection 1 | 50 points, 25% |
Research critique and reflection 2 | 50 points, 25% |
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
≥ 93% | A |
90-92% | A- |
87-89% | B+ |
83-86% | B |
80-82% | B- |
77-79% | C+ |
73-76% | C |
70-72% | C- |
67-69% | D+ |
63-66% | D |
60-62% | D- |
< 60% | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Completing in-class activities is worth 5 points per class for a maximum of 100 points. The goal of this policy is to bring more assignments into class, rather than having you do assignments outside of class time. Each class will have something to turn in, including answering a poll question, suggesting a discussion question, participating in an activity, brainstorming a key takeaway from the class, and short writing assignments. What you turn in will be graded for completion.
Attending class in person can be challenging, therefore I will automatically excuse 3 missed activities. There are also two catch-up days included on the calendar, where you can come to class to make up for previous missed activities.
If you are in class, please do your best to be on time and stay for the entire class to avoid disrupting others or missing that day’s activity. When you are in class, please refrain from distracting behavior or behavior that might take away from your or other people’s learning experience, such as wearing headphones (unless you have OARS accommodations to do so) or using apps/visiting websites that are not related to class material.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Children’s Thinking (5th edition) by Robert S. Siegler & Martha Wagner Alibali
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.