San Diego Community College District

Mesa College

Partially Online (Hybrid) Course Syllabus

 

Chil 101: Human Growth and Development                                     Course CRN: 43548

 

Fall  2007                                                                      8 Week Course 08/28 – 10/20/2007

 

 

 

Instructor: Susheela Narayanan                                                        

Telephone: 619-388-2447, Office: B 106B

·   E-Mail: snarayan@sdccd.edu

Class Meets: In room B 101 on Tuesdays (6:00 – 9:00 pm) and online on Thursdays

·   When class starts, use email within courseroom as it is helpful to keep all of the communication within

the courseroom.

Advisory: English 51 & 56.

 

Course Description: This course is a study of the interrelationship between the physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth and development of the individual from conception through adolescence.  Emphasis is placed on positive relationships with family members, peers and other significant individuals.  Theories and philosophies of human development and cross-cultural patterns are explored.  Observations of children and educational programs are required.  This course is a core requirement for the State of California Child Development Permit and the State of California Community Care Licensing, Title XXII.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

 

1. Define, compare and contrast distinct theories and philosophies of human development.

2. Describe common research methods and designs used in the child development field.

3. Explain the conception, prenatal development and birth processes.

4. Distinguish among stages of human growth including the first two years, the play years, the school years and adolescence in terms of physical, cognitive and psychosocial development.

Evaluation:

A student's grade will be based on multiple measures of performance unless the course requires no grade. Multiple measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:

--Performance on written assignments that test the student’s ability to analyze as well as to  
   synthesize child development theory and data.
--Performance on writing assignments that test the ability of the student to assess and
   evaluate child development principles.
--Performance on online preparation and organization of ideas, theories and contexts of development
   that may include objective and essay examinations.

--Critiques of specific reading assignments.

--Oral analysis of textbook and supplemental reading assignments.
--Performance on field research projects.
--Performance on posted online discussions and online participation within the online discussion board.  

 

Methods of Instruction:

Methods of instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:  

* Online Course Content

* Online Discussions

* Online Written Assignments

 

Text and Supplies Required:

·         The Developing Person Through Childhood and Adolescence by Kathleen Berger, 7t Edition.

·         Instructor Manual  (required for assignments)

 

 

Computer Skills Advisory:  Intermediate level computer skills expected.  This includes basic familiarity with computer terms and use: word processing, document manipulation, email, and online services.  These skills can be learned at any of the colleges or Continuing Education.  Orientation to online education through SDCCD Online is advised.  SDCCD Online Technical assistance is available as needed.

 

Course Requirements

v      This is a short-term, fast paced course. You have to keep up with the reading assignments and active participation online is necessary.

v      This is a Hybrid or partially online course, meeting face to face once a week and online once a week.

v      Students are expected to log in two or more times a week. This will allow you to participate fully in discussions, emails, read the Lecture/Power Point presentations and complete assignments. I have the option of dropping students who have accumulated excessive absences (more than 2) or do not participate regularly in online discussions or assignments.

v      Any requests to your instructor must be in writing and sent as an email.

v      Please note: I am your instructor. I assume this responsibility very seriously. I am not your monitor. You can earn an excellent grade in this class if you simply do your assignments and wholeheartedly participate with your discussions. The material is arranged to teach you.

 

Student Responsibilities and Code of Conduct

 

v      Read posted lectures and view Power Points. These are supplemental to your reading and will provide an outline of the material. They are also useful studytools.

v      Complete assignments on time.

v      All assignments must be submitted online “ON TIME.” All papers are due by midnight on the due date.  Late assignments will be penalized one letter grade. Discussion Board postings will not be accepted late.

v      Follow the rules of Netiquette during discussion board postings. You may not insult, ridicule or otherwise undermine another person’s postings or comments.

v      Inappropriate language or postings will be deleted by the instructor.

v      Make-up work and extra credit: If you are doing what is assigned, you do not need either. I will post if this is an option with different activities.

v      Check the Home page and Calendar often as they will be updated during the semester.

v      Students are expected to respect the instructor and each other, and follow the Mesa College code of conduct as outlined in Policy 3100.  Refer to the Catalog for information regarding guidelines for behavior.

v      Plagiarism:  All students are required to submit only their own work.  Any plagiarism, cheating or other violations of this honor code will result in an automatic grade of F in the course and you may face disciplinary action from the college. The honor code applies to all assignments.  Work received needs to represent your own work and your work alone!

Students with Disabilities:   Discuss options with me during the first two weeks of class if you need academic accommodations.  Disability must be documented through  Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS)

department  on campus as soon as possible.
Due Process:

The college is committed to addressing student needs. If problems arise that I cannot solve, you may contact the following:

Department of Consumer & Family Studies:

Department Chair – Elizabeth Chu: (619) 388-2209, Office: B 106I

Co-Department Chair: Lou Ann Gibson: (619) 388-2201,  Office B

Dean – Margie Fritch : (619) 388-2789,  Office: J107

 

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CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

 

 

Assignment 1:  Online Discussion Postings and Responses (50 points).  Due at 11:59pm every Saturday.

          Online “attendance requirements” focus on weekly postings in the Discussion Board with your posted response to discussion questions for each chapter.  You will post your answer to each chapter’s discussion question.  You will also post a minimum of two “substantial responses” to two other student postings.

          A “substantial response” is not merely saying “I agree” but providing  content that “expands the discussion.”  You must give reasons for your opinions/comments. The goal is that you each share information that is “realistic and relevant” to you and the class.   The ability to share information and experiences in a manner that encourages learning from each other can be one of the best things about online education!
Discussion question postings should reflect the use of critical thinking skills that reflect knowledge and comprehension, personal and/or professional application, as well as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.  The use of spell check using HTML is encouraged. 

          Be aware of timelines - late postings will not be accepted.

 

Assignment 2: Research Paper (20 points).  Due on different dates according to your selected ages/stages of development. (see Course  Schedule and Online Calendar). This assignment will be turned in to me in class.

1.  Pick a topic, introduced in the text, related to your assigned age/stage of development.

                        2.  Select an article on your topic from a professional journal  or the Internet. The article should be complete 

     and 2-3 pages long, not small “info bites.” Make a copy of the article.  Attach to your summary.

3. Read the article and write a 2-3 page analytical summary of it.

 

 

 

 

Assignment 3:  Child Observation Paper (25 points).  Due on different dates according to your selected ages/stages of development. (see Course  Schedule and Online Calendar)  Turn in to me in class.

Complete an observation on a child in your assigned age/stage of development. See observation guidelines that follow in Instructor Manual.  In addition, include a title page. 

 

 

Assignment 4: Group In-Class Presentation (50 points).  Due on different dates according to your selected ages/stages of development. (see Course  Schedule and Online Calendar)  Done in class.

 

    a. As a group of 2 – 3 members, plan a power Point Presentation (10 – 15 minutes long) for the class on your assigned age/stage of development. Pick a topic from the list in the Instructor Manual. Prepare your topic/s so that it is precise. Inform the class of the main important facts or theories.  Be sure to include an opening statement and a conclusion that shows the impact on a child’s development.

   b. Prepare a written outline (1 page + bibliography) on your topic to hand in to me.  You  

     must cite at least three reference sources ( the text + 2 others).

     c. Create some kind of visual to focus class members' attention.  Some choices are:

   poster / overhead transparency/  use of hand puppets/ create a bulletin board,

display, role play or…?  Some visuals can be incorporated into the Power Point, which should consist of about 8 – 10 slides. Use bulleted points, do not make slides too wordy!

d. Know what you are talking about! You may not read your report or the slides,  but you may use notes to remind you of details or facts.  Be  creative!!   

  e. Practice your oral presentation:

good speaking skills, eye contact, voice projection       

 

Every group member must participate.

 

 

COURSE EVALUATION:

Assignments                                                               Points             


Observations                                                  25       

Research Paper                                              20                   

Discussion Postings                                       50

Six Tests @ 25 pts. Each                                   150                  \

3 pts for each initial discussion; 1 point for “substantial response” to another learner; 1 point for additional response to another learner(s) = 5 points for each discussion. Late postings = 0.

Discussion Board postings must reflect critical thinking skills, and will be graded accordingly.

GRADING:

Grading will be on a cumulative point system, as indicated above.  Regular attendance, punctuality and class participation are essential to your success. Oral presentations, outside site visits and observations of children are required components of this course.

You will get the grade you earn based on the quality of the work you submit.  Make-up exams will only be given BEFORE the class meeting following the absence, and will be penalized 5 points; thereafter the grade will be 0 (zero).  Quizzes will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer and true/false questions. They will be based on the text and material discussed in class.  It is your responsibility to read the text!

     Grades       

A = 90% points

B = 80% points
C = 70% points

D = 60% points

F = 59% points & below

 

Important Dates:

It is your responsibility to pay all fees and process your add codes within the established time frame or you will not be able to continue in the course. It is also your responsibility to drop the course in a timely manner before the deadline to withdraw, in order to avoid being assigned a final grade. Please talk to the instructor before you drop the course.

 

 

  • 08/31/07 - Last day to receive, process and pay for add code

 

  • 08/31//07 - Deadline to drop classes with no “W” recorded

 

  • 09/04//07 - Last day to drop & be eligible for refund of enrollment fees & non-resident tuition           

 

  • 09/28/07 - Withdrawal deadline – No drops accepted after this date

 

  • 10/20/07 - End of Semester

 

 

 

 

CHIL 101 HYBRID  CLASS SCHEDULE

 

Week 1 – Tue – Thurs, Aug. 28 – Aug. 30, 2007

 

  In Class Focus:

  • Introductions & Overview of Syllabus, Assignments & Goals
  • Online Guidelines (Frequently Asked Questions) & Orientation
  • Online Discussion Postings, Assignments & Due Dates
  • Getting Started with Research & Observations

Online Discussion Board:

a. Biodata about yourself

b. Theories of Development:

  • Chapter 1:  Definitions & Domains of Human Development;

      Development Study as a Science; Ethics & Science

  • Chapter 2:  Theories of Development

 

Week 2 – Tue - Thurs, Sept. 4 – 6

 

In Class Focus:

  • Test #1: Chapters 1 – 2

Online Discussion Board:

Heredity & Environment/ Prenatal Development & Birth

  • Chapter 3 : Heredity and Environment
  • Chapter 4 : Prenatal Development/Birth

 

Week 3 – Tue – Thurs, Sept. 11 – 13

In Class Focus:

  • Test #2: Chapters 3 – 4
  • Research on Infant/Toddler stage due

Online Discussion Board:

Infant-Toddler (The First 2 Years):

  • Chapter 5 : Biosocial Development
  • Chapter 6 : Cognitive Development        
  • Chapter 7 : Psychosocial Development

 

Week 4 – Tue – Thurs, Sept. 18 – 20

In Class Focus:

  • Test #3: Chapters 5 – 7
  • Group Presentations on Infant/Toddler stage due
  • Observation #1 – Infant/Toddler Stage – due in class
  • Research on Preschool Stage due

 

 

 

 

Online Discussion Board:

       Preschool: The Play Years (Ages 2-5)

  • Chapter 8:     Biosocial Development               
  • Chapter 9:     Cognitive Development
  • Chapter 10:   Psychosocial Development

Week 5 – Tue – Thurs, Sept. 25 – 27

 

In Class Focus:

  • Test #4: Chapters 8 - 10
  • Observation #2 – Preschool Stage – due in class
  • Group Presentations on Preschool Stage  due
  • Research on School Years Stage due
    Online Discussion Board:

School Years:  Middle Childhood (Ages 6-11)

  • Chapter 11:   Biosocial Development
  • Chapter 12:   Cognitive Development
  • Chapter 13:  Psychosocial Development 

Week 6 – Tue – Thurs, Oct. 2 - 4

 

In Class Focus:

  • Test #5: Chapters 11 - 13
  • Observation #3 – School Years Stage – due in class
  • Group Presentations on Middle Childhood stage due
  • Research on Adolescence Stage due

Online Discussion Board:

Adolescence:  Teen Years (Ages 12+) - Personal Integration, Application & Wrap-Up

  • Chapter 14:  Biosocial Development      
  • Chapter 15:   Cognitive Development                                         
  • Chapter 16:   Psychosocial Development

 

Week 7 – Tue – Thurs, Oct. 9 – 11

  • Observation #4 – Adolescence Stage – due in class
  • Group Presentations on Adolescence Stage due

This is the last week to turn in all assignments.  No papers will be accepted during

the final week of school!

Week 8 – Tue – Thurs, Oct. 16 – 18

In Class Focus:  Final Exam (Chapters 14-16)

*This is a tentative class schedule.  Changes may be made as and when necessary.  They will be announced early enough to give you time to meet the assignments, but it is your responsibility to maintain your schedule and to let me know prior to a due date if something interferes with your participation.  “Life happens” (including technical

problems) so I encourage students to post early as absences will not be considered as an excuse for a lack of online participation.