HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSY-201Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Social Sciences & Public Services
Department of Social Sciences
Departmental Policy Syllabus
PSY-201 Child Psychology
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester/Year:
Course Number:
Meeting Times and Place:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Office Hours:
E-Mail Address:
Course Description
PSY-201 Child Psychology is designed to help the student understand the significant
stages of motor, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social development of the child as
these are influenced by genetic, cultural, and individual forces from the prenatal period
through middle childhood.
3 lecture 3 credits
Prerequisite: PSY-101
General Education Course
Social Science Elective
Student Learning Objectives/Means of Assessment
Objectives: Upon successful completion,
the student will be able to:
Means of Assessment: This outcome will
be measured by one or more of the
following:
1. Identify and describe important types of
research in child psychology (e.g.,
experiment, case study, cross-sectional
study, longitudinal study), and ethical
issues in research involving children.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
2. Compare the roles of genetics (nature)
and environment (nurture) in child
development.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
3. Describe the major stages of prenatal
development and of the birth process.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
4. Identify major teratogens in prenatal
development and their effects (teratogens
are factors that can have a negative effect
on the developing organism).
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
5. Describe key aspects of physical,
cognitive, emotional, and social
development during infancy, early
childhood, and middle childhood.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
6. Explain major theories of development
including biological, behavioral, cognitive,
and psychodynamic approaches.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
7. Analyze real-life situations involving
caring for, raising, and teaching
children using concepts learned in this
course.
Objective tests, essay questions, oral
reports, class discussions, and writing
assignments
Course Content
This course examines various aspects of child psychology and child development in-
depth. Students will learn about the major theories regarding children’s physical,
cognitive, emotional, and social development. Students also will learn about the major
changes children undergo in each area of development during the pre-natal period, and
during infancy, early childhood and middle childhood. A major focus will be on how
“nature” (e.g., the influence of genetics and biology) and “nurture” (e.g., the influence of
upbringing, environment, experience) affect development. Problems and disorders that
may emerge during the pre-natal period, the birth process, and later in the child’s life will
be covered. Also emphasized will be how the course material may be applied to specific
situations involving the care and education of children.
In addition to these mandatory components, individual instructors may decide to conduct
a “field visit” to the BCC Child Development Center where children may be observed in
the classroom. Guidelines for reports and/or presentations based upon these observations
will be defined by the individual instructor. Instructors also may employ articles, films,
articles and other multimedia supplements in the class.
Course Text
The required textbook for this course is:
Lefrancois, Guy R. Of Children: An Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development,
Ninth Edition ISBN is 0534526055.
An optional book for this course is:
LeFrancois, Guy R. Study Guide for Of Children Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson
Learning, 2001. ISBN 0534866204.
Research, Writing and/or Examination Requirements
As a General Education course, PSY-201 has a significant writing requirement integrated
into the content of the course, including the preparation of out-of-class writing
assignments that necessitate research. Written examinations also are required.
Grading Policy
The final course grade will be determined by the student’s overall mastery of the subject
matter as evidenced on exams, out-of-class writing assignments and class participation.
All factors considered, class participation should not account for more than 15% of the
final course grade.
Bergen Community College Attendance Policy
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in
which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be
determined by the instructor for each section of each course. These will be established in
writing and on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for
administrative and counseling purposes.
Attendance/Lateness Policy in this Course: All students are expected to attend every
scheduled class and to arrive punctually. Attendance will be taken at each class. Those
who arrive late or leave early disrupt class. If you find that it is absolutely necessary for
you to leave the class early, please consult with the instructor before beginning of the
class, and take a seat close to the door so as not to disturb others when you leave.
Penalties for absences and policies regarding make-up exams will be determined by the
individual instructor, in keeping with the sections on Grading Policy and Bergen
Community College Attendance Policy above.
OTHER COLLEGE, DIVISIONAL, AND OR DEPARTMENTAL POLICY
STATEMENTS
Statement on Plagiarism and/or Academic Dishonesty - Academic Integrity
The Bergen Community College Statement on academic integrity as found in the
college catalog on page 43 is the following;
In cases when students are charged with academic irregularities, such as cheating during
an examination or plagiarism in the preparation of an essay, laboratory report, or oral
presentation, the instructor has the authority to:
1. Give the student a failing grade for the assignment if, within the course’s total
requirements, non-completion of that assignment would not constitute sufficient
ground for failing the course; or,
2. Give the student a failing grade for the course if, within the course’s total
requirements, non-completion of that assignment would preclude the student’s
passing course.
The instructor must make a written report to the Vice President of Student Services of
whatever action he or she has taken and its justification. In turn the Vice President of
Student Services must send a copy of the instructor’s report to the student. Within ten
days of receipt of such notification, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the
Vice President of Student Services. The Vice President of Student Services shall be
responsible for maintaining a cumulative file of all infractions of academic dishonesty.
Two such offenses shall be sufficient grounds to suspend a student from the College.
Thus, should it be verified that a student has committed a second such offense, the Vice
President of Student Services, will report the matter to the Committee on Academic
Standing and recommend an appropriate action.
Academic Integrity Policy in this Course
The integrity of any academic discipline is essential and requires that those who engage
the subject matter do so in an honest and forthright manner. In this environment cheating
of any sort is unacceptable, and if uncovered, will be sanctioned. The policy used in this
course is akin to that of the College. If a student is found cheating or plagiarizes on
written assignments he/she will receive an F for that assignment. A written description of
the incident will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services to be placed on
file. If a second incident occurs the student will fail the course and a second written
description concerning the event will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student
Services. Any subsequent actions will be pursued by the Vice President and the
Committee on Academic Standing.
The implementation of this policy requires that during quizzes or examinations the desk
be completely clear of all books, papers, notes, computers and cell phones. All of these
items should be placed on the floor under the seat and out of sight. The only item on
your desk should be your quiz or exam and a pen or pencil. Students who need to use
hand held computers for foreign language translation purposes, or who have to use such
items because of special needs should first clear their use with the instructor.
Statement on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for
prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal
regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Section 504 and ADA state, in part,
that “no qualified individual with a disability, by reason of such disability, be excluded
from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a
public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.”
Complaints should be addressed to the Manager of Training and Compliance, Office of
the Executive Vice President, Room A-330, (201)612-5331, who has been designated to
coordinate 504/ADA compliance efforts. (BCC Student Handbook, 2003, Page 42).
Sexual Harassment Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with
an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination.
Sexual harassment in any form constitutes prohibited, unprofessional and unacceptable
conduct, and is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1990, as
amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the New Jersey Law Against
Discrimination, established case law and State policies. The policy applies to all persons.
Administrators, faculty, staff, and students are all covered. (BCC Catalog, 2007-8, pages
59-60). See catalog for complete details.
Acceptable Use of BCC Technology Resources
Bergen Community College reserves the right to monitor its information technology
resources and telecommunications network to protect the integrity of its computing
systems, workstations, and lab facilities, and to ensure compliance with all acceptable use
and related policies and procedures. To this end, the College reserves the right to inspect
any and all computer systems or data that reside on its telecommunications network for
violations of any acceptable use and related policies and procedures. (BCC Catalog 2007-
8, pages 45-47).
The College’s entire Acceptable Use policy, administrative guidelines, and procedures
may be found at http://www.bergen.edu/acceptableuse.
Faculty Office Hours: The Purpose and Value
All full-time instructors will reserve a minimum of three (3) hours per week for the sole
purpose of meeting with students. The exact hours are to be determined by each
individual instructor and posted in the department and if possible next to the instructor’s
office. The purpose of this is to assist students who have questions pertaining to class
assignments or who are in need of clarification of material or concepts discussed in class.
All students are welcome to visit the instructor during the posted hours but if this is not
possible due to scheduling conflicts the instructor at the students request will arrange for
a time to meet which is mutually convenient. The faculty office hours are valuable
because they provide a setting for the instructor and student to interact on a one-to-one
basis where they can focus on specific individualized concerns.
STUDENT AND FACULTY SUPPORT SERVICES
Services for Students with Disabilities
A wide variety of services are available to students with documented disabilities through
the Office of Special Services (OSS) [Room S-131; (201) 612-5270]. OSS is dedicated
to serving students with physical, visual, learning, hearing, and emotional disabilities. If
a student has been classified in high school or had a 504 plan, it is highly recommended
that the student contact OSS during the college application process. A more detailed
explanation can be found on the College web site www.bergen.edu Personal information
is kept confidential. Examples of the types of accommodations and services include:
Extended test taking time
Organizational strategies
Tutoring
Career counseling
Adaptive equipment computer labs
Note takers
Sign language interpreters
The Sidney Silverman Library
The Sidney Silverman Library is an integral part of the College’s educational programs.
To support the curriculum, the library acquires, organizes, and provides access to a
variety of print, media, and electronic resources for individual and classroom use. The
library is located on the first, second, and third floors in the L area of the megastructure.
It is open whenever classes are in session and on a reduced schedule when classes are not
in session. The library is open to all students, faculty, and the general public. (BCC
Catalog 2007-8, page 62).
The Library’s Web page, http://www.bergen.edu/library, is available for up-to-date
information regarding library collections and services.
Other Student and Faculty Services
Academic Advising Center [Main Building, Room A-101; (201) 612-5480]
Cooperative Education and Career Development Center [Main Building, Room C-100,
(201) 447-7171
Child Development Center [East Hall]
Counseling Center [Main Building, Room A-118; (201) 447-7211]
Dental Hygiene Clinic [Main Building, Room S-327; (201) 447-7180]
The Distance Learning Office {Main Building, Room C-334; (201)612-5581]
English Language Resource Center [East Hall, Room E-126]
Health Services [Main Building, HS-100; (201) 447-9257]
Math Lab [Main Building, Room C-110]
Multimedia Lab [Main Building, Room S-250]
Online Writing Lab (OWL) http://www.bergen.edu/owl
Office of Testing Services (Main Building, Room S-127; (201)447-7203)
Public Safety [Main Building; Room L-154; (201)447-7116)
Tutoring Center, a.k.a. Learning Assistance Center [Main Building, Room L-125; (201)
447-7489]
Sample Course Outline and Calendar
Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
WEEK TOPIC TEXTBOOK STUDENT
READINGS LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
1 Studying the Child Ch. 1 1
2 Theories of Development Ch. 2 2,6
3 Conception, Heredity & Environment Ch. 3 2,6,8
4 Prenatal Development Ch. 4 2,3,4,6
5 Birth Ch. 4 2,3,6
6 Infancy: Physical & Cognitive Ch. 5 2,5,6,7
Development
7 Infancy: Social Development Ch. 6 2,5,6,7
8 Infancy: Emotional Development Ch. 6 2,5,6,7
9 Early Childhood: Physical & Cognitive Ch. 7 2,5,6,7
Development
10 Early Childhood: Social Development Ch.8 2,5,6,7
11 Early Childhood: Emotional Development Ch.8 2,5,6,7
12 Middle Childhood: Physical & Cognitive Ch. 9 2,5,6,7
Development
13 Middle Childhood: Social Development Ch. 10 2,5,6,7
14 Middle Childhood: Emotional Development Ch. 10 2,5,6,7
15 Review & Summary 1-8
Dates for Exams: to be scheduled by individual instructors
Due Dates for Written Assignments: to be scheduled by individual instructors