Course Description:

A study of the emotional, intellectual, physical, and social influences upon human development.  Development across the life-span will be covered.  The first developmental psychologists focused almost exclusively on childhood.  In more recent times, however, there has been a greater interest in the changes that continue to occur in adulthood and old age.  The goal of this course is to provide you with an understanding of how we change over time and how developmental theorists have explained these changes.

Tests and Grading: 

You are responsible for all material covered in the text and in the on-line lectures. As indicated on the schedule, there will be quizzes, written assignments, three exams, and a final. Exams I, II, and III are each worth 60 points and will each consist of 50 multiple-choice questions (each worth 1 point) and 10 points worth of short-answer questions (questions will have various point values). Along with each chapter covered there will be an on-line multiple choice quiz (10 points) and along with each section there will be a written assignment (20 points). You are required to complete ALL written assignments and multiple choice quizzes - but only your 6 highest written assignment scores and your 16 highest quiz scores will be used when calculating your grade. Note that the first 3 exams will not be cumulative. NOTE ALSO THAT EXAMS WILL BE TIMED (AS WILL THE FINAL). No books, no notes, no references of any sort are to be used when taking exams. The clock will serve as your proctor. If this makes you nervous, please let me know and proctoring arrangements can be made. The final exam will be cumulative and worth 100 points. The final will consist of 80 multiple-choice questions (each worth 1 point) and 20 points worth of short answer questions. While exams will be timed (60 minutes for the 3 exams, 90 minutes for the final) and are intended to be closed-book and notes, quizzes will not be timed and you may use your notes. Points will also be given for participation in the discussion forum. I am interested in having you interact with not only me, but with one another. I expect to see a thoughtful contribution from each of you at least three times a week (this is a minimum - it does not guarantee you full credit).  New topics will be added about once a week - but you should visit and post often to be sure that you do not miss anything.  You can earn a maximum of 2 points in each forum (topic). All posts must be substantive - they most contribute in a meaningful way and follow any instructions that are provided. In order to earn 2 points, you must make 2 posts - one of what must be in response to someone else's post. I promise this will make more sense when we get started.. Participation is worth a total of 40 points.  Updates on your participation point accumulation will be provided. As forums are locked and made unavailable, points are given. You may earn 1-2 points per forum and I am looking to see interaction - be sure to respond to not only my questions and comments, but those of your colleagues. THE LAST DAY TO EARN DISCUSSION POINTS WILL BE MAY 18.

You may proceed at your own speed, but should note the mandatory due dates for items as indicated. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any problems using the Messages system - that's what I am here for.  To send me a note - enter the course and click on "Communication" in the menu bar on the left. Click on a "Course E-Mail" and then "New Message". If you are writing to me, select "Michelle Pilati (Instructor)" by clicking on it - and then hit the > error to move my name over to the "Recipient" list. Be sure to give your message a subject line - and you are good to go. Note - messages are sent by hitting "submit", instead of send. Whenever you log in, be sure to go into the Course E-Mail and select the "Inbox" to be sure you don't miss any messages. Please note that in order to gain access to the written assignment for a given section, you must 1st complete and submit the associated multiple choice quizzes (earning at least a 3) - and you must complete these in order. After a grace period, points will be deducted when a written assignment is late. There is no penalty for late quizzes.

Please be in touch frequently - I value and appreciate any and all  feedback. I hope you find this subject as fascinating as I do. As you submit your work, your next assignment will be made available to you.

You should think of this class as being the same sort of time commitment as a traditional course - regular attendance is necessary for success.  You should be "attending" at least three times a week (this is truly a minimum).  Updates will be posted regularly and there may be extra credit opportunities available from time to time.  Note that with every Written Assignment you have a shot at some extra credit - submit your work by 5pm on the due date (usually a Thursday) and receive an additional  point on the Written Assignment for the Section you are completing. You should be "attending" class at least twice a week.

I hope you learn a lot - and have some fun!!

IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. Any work that is in all capitals will be deleted, reset, or no points will be awarded. This applies to both written assignments and discussion posts.
2. Your answers to the written assignment questions for each section should be prepared in a word processing program and then copied and pasted into the submission site. The submission site is blank - you are to get the questions from where they are provided to you in Course Content.
3. All answers are to be in complete sentences and in your own words. Referencing a website does not them permit you to plagiarize.
4. Late exams are not permitted.
5. Have a question? Please ask..
6. No SPAMMING - under no circumstances are to you send messages out to the whole class. Thanks!

 

 Point Breakdown - an A is guaranteed with a minimum of 540 points, a B with 480, etc. Not all work is used when calculating your final grade. No points are awarded for "exam entries" and the initial 10-point bonus quiz counts the same as all other quizzes. Only 16 quizzes and 6 written assignments are used in calculating your final grade. ***The initial BONUS quiz counts like any other quiz - it is not "extra credit".***