Susan D. McMahon, Ph.D.
Office: Byrne Hall, Rm
Office Hours:
Phone #: 773-325-2039
E-mail: smcmahon@wppost.depaul.edu

I. Text: Bee, Helen (1998) Lifespan Development. Harper Collins

II. Readings and Topics:

Introduction; Concepts and Methods

Read: Chapter 1

Film: Nature vs. Nurture

Theories of Development

Read: Chapter 2

Film: Louder than Words

Infancy

Read: Chapters 5 & 6

Midterm Quiz: Chapters 1, 2, 5, & 6

Preschool Children

Read: Chapters 7 & 8

Middle Childhood

Read: Chapters 9 & 10

Midterm Quiz: Chapters 7, 8, 9, & 10

Adolescence

Read: Chapter 11 (pp. 263-278) & 12

Guest Speaker

Early Adulthood & Middle Adulthood

Read: Chapters 16 & 18

Paper due - Present Papers

Read: Chapter 14

Later Adulthood & Death & Dying

Read: Chapter 19

Final Exam: Chapters 11 (pp. 263-278), 12, 14, 16, 18, & 19
 

III. Midterm Quizzes: The quizzes will each include approximately 30 multiple choice questions, divided evenly between the chapters (15% of your grade), and 5 short-essay questions (5% of your grade).

IV. Final Exam: The final exam will contain approximately 50 multiple choice questions (25% of your grade) and 5 short-essay questions (5% of your grade).

Important Notice: There will be material covered in the lectures which is not discussed in the text. There will also be material in the text which is not discussed in the lectures. Films will be on reserve at the library.

V. Paper: Students should select one article from the popular media (i.e., newspaper, magazine) that relates to human development. The range of possibilities is wide, but some examples include: attachment, child abuse, pretend play, divorce, working mothers, daycare, education, grieving, nursing home care, etc. Then select 2 articles from professional publications (use Psychlit) that apply to the topic discussed in the popular article. This paper should also discuss how the topic relates to material we are covering in the textbook. The paper should be 3-5 double-spaced typewritten pages + title page and reference list.

The paper can be done with a group or on your own.

VI. Presentation: Each student (or group of students) will be asked to briefly summarize & present the most interesting findings from your paper during one of the two class periods (Feb 25 & 27). You may not read your paper for this presentation, but you may prepare brief notes. This is designed to let your classmates learn from you!

Class Structure: This course will include several components to facilitate learning the material, including, lecture, small group activities, film, guest speaker, and discussion.

Attendance & Participation: Your participation is valued in this class. Attendance will be taken, and you are expected to attend and participate. If you are going to miss class, let me know, as I may be excuse the absence. Attendance for exams and presentations are particularly important. If your absence is excused for the exam, you will need to make arrangements through Liberal Arts and Sciences to make up the exam. Depending on class needs, you may not be able to make up the presentation (this is, however, only a small percentage of your grade). There is a lot of material in each chapter, and your attendance will guide you to what material will be covered in the exams.
 

VII. Method of Evaluation
 

MIDTERM QUIZ I	20%
MIDTERM QUIZ II	20%
FINAL EXAM	30%
PAPER & PRESENTATION	20%
ATTENDANCE/ PARTICIPATION	10%