[printer-friendly version]
HDFS 129 (GS) Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies (3.00): Introduction to psychosocial and family development at all stages of the individual and family life cycle.
Overview
HD FS 129 consists of 16 individual lessons, one exercise in which you are asked to creatively apply the knowledge learned, and two examinations. If you compare your course syllabus with the assigned text, you will see that the lessons follow the order of the chapters in the text. Each of the lessons follows a similar format, and you will proceed through each lesson in this order:
- Read the instructional objectives for the lesson.
- Note the reading assignment.
- Read the lesson Commentary and then complete the reading assignment.
- Complete the self-test to make sure you understand the chapter material.
After you have completed all these assignments, turn back to the instructional objectives and make sure you understand each one completely. Then, complete the written assignment you are asked to submit to your instructor for evaluation. These written assignments will test your understanding of the material covered. In addition, written assignments provide you with examples of what you can expect from the two examinations. Keep in mind that the Self-Check Questions are designed to quiz you on factual information from the text. The Written Assignments, which you submit for evaluation, are designed to make you apply what you have learned to real life situations. They will often require creative thinking skills on your part. Answers may not be spelled out for you in the text. You will often have to draw from what you have learned and apply that to the question.
Course Objectives
The objectives for HD FS 129 are to:
- Introduce you to theories, concepts, and research concerning individual and family development from conception to old age using a multi-disciplinary perspective
- Introduce you to a lifespan perspective on development that emphasizes the ways in which important social contexts influence individual and family development
- Introduce you to variations in individual and family structures and functions, and how biological, psychological, and historical variables will influence the existence and functioning of these various patterns within a social context
- Introduce you to the possibilities of prevention and intervention strategies across the lifespan to promote and support optimal individual and family development
Required Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Many of Penn State's library resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Library Resources and Services for World Campus and Distance Education Web site, you can...
- access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases
- borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep...or even your desktop
- ask a librarian for research help via e-mail, chat, or phone using the ASK! service
...and much more!
NOTE: You must have an active Penn State Access Account and be registered with the University Libraries in order to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and services. Registration and services are free!Software
Students are required to use Microsoft Office 2003 and Adobe Reader.
JourneyEd.com/Bookstore
One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit:
http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/StudentServices_CourseMat.shtml
Technical Requirements
Web access is required in order to complete this course. We recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:
| Operating System | Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher *Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version |
|---|---|
| Processor | 2 GHz or higher |
| Memory | 1 GB of RAM |
| Hard Drive Space | 20 GB free disk space |
| Browser | We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or
Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion,
and for advice on downloading a supported version,
please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites. Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching, older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses. |
| Plug-ins | Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe] |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Office (2007 or later) |
| Internet Connection | Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required |
| Printer | Access to graphics-capable printer |
| DVD-ROM | Required |
| Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers | Required |
| Monitor | Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution |
If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the World Campus Help Desk.
Arranging a Proctor
Assignments and Workload
Assignment Submission
Course Schedule
| Unit | Week | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Lesson 1: Introduction to Lifespan Development | Week 1
|
Please complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
|
| Lesson 2: Introduction to Developmental Theories | Week 2
|
Please complete the following assignments in the order listed below: |
| Lesson 3: Learning/Behavioral and Contextual Developmental Theories | Week 3
|
Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
|
| Lesson 4: Research Methods and Genetic Influences on Development | Week 4
|
Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
|
| Lesson 5: Infant Development | Week 5
|
Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
|
EXAM #1 & Lesson 6: Childhood Play & Parenting |
Week 6
|
Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
|
| Lesson 7: Gender Development, Intelligence, & Moral Development | Week 7
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Lesson 8: Adolescent Pubertal Development, Pubertal Timing, and Adolescent Cognition | Week 8
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Spring Break | Week 9
|
Please catch up on anything that you need to |
| Lesson 9: Myths of Adolescence & Identity Development | Week 10
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
Lesson 10: Relationships During Adolescence & EXAM #2 |
Week 11
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Lesson 11: Emerging Adulthood | Week 12
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Lesson 12: Romantic Relationships in Adulthood | Week 13
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Lesson 13: Physical and Psychosocial Devlopement in Midlife | Week 14
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
| Lesson 14: Devlopement in Late Adulthood | Week 15
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
|
Lesson 15: Successful Aging & Final Exam |
Week 16
|
Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.
Complete the Final Exam with proctor supervision and have your proctor submit it via surface mail to World Campus |
Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. However, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year from the day the course began.
Grading
Your grade in the course will be based on written assignments and the examinations:
Point Breakdown for assignments is as follows:
Lesson 1 = ungraded
Each lesson = 15 points for a total of 240 points
Mid-Course Exam = 120 points
Final Exam = 120 points
Total points for course = 480
Here are the point breakdowns for the HD FS 129 grades based on a total of 480 points:
| A | = | 446-480 |
| A- | = | 432-445 |
| B+ | = | 418-431 |
| B | = | 398-417 |
| B- | = | 384-397 |
| C+ | = | 370-383 |
| C | = | 336-369 |
| D | = | 288-335 |
| F | = | 0-287 |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity — scholarship free of fraud and deception — is an important educational objective of Penn State. Academic dishonesty can lead to a failing grade or referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
- cheating
- plagiarism
- fabrication of information or citations
- facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others
- unauthorized prior possession of examinations
- submitting the work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor and securing written approval
- tampering with the academic work of other students
How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedure requires an instructor to notify a student of suspected dishonesty before filing a charge and recommended sanction with the college. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If a disciplinary sanction also is recommended, the case will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.
All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us.
Additionally, World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, and a civil community.
For More Information on Academic Integrity at Penn State
Please see the Academic Integrity Chart for specific college contact information or visit one of the following URLs:
- Penn State Senate Policy on Academic Integrity
- iStudy for Success! — learn about plagiarism, copyright, and academic integrity through an educational module
- Turnitin a web-based plagiarism detection and prevention system
University Policies
Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.