Developmental Psychology

COURSE SYLLABUS
Mrs. Chris Trainor

Contact Information
Email: trainorc@salineschools.org
Phone: 734.401.4247 (school) 734.645.5091 (cell)
Planning: 5th hour
Room: 131 or 133

In this course, we will study child development from infancy to adolescence. Specifically, we will
look at the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of people. You will not be a
psychologist by the end of the trimester, but you should have a better understanding of human
behavior and mental processes.

Philosophy:
Child development is a field of study that tries to understand the processes that govern the
appearance and growth of childrens biological structures, psychological traits, behavior,
understanding, and ways of adapting to the demands of life. Psychologists study human
development to gain insight into human nature, adult behavior, the origins of sex differences,
the effects of culture on development, and to optimize conditions of development.

Course Materials:
Rathus, Spencer A. Childhood and Adolescence: Voyages in Development, third ed. Thomson
Publishing, United States: 2008.

Content:

Unit One: Theories and Methods

Readings:
Chapter 1

Unit Two: Infancy

Readings:
Chapters 5-7

Unit Three: Early Childhood

Readings:
Chapters 8-10

Unit Four: Middle Childhood

Readings:
Chapters 11-13
Unit Five: Adolescence
Readings:
Chapters 14-16

Grading Policy:
The final project is worth 15% of your final grade. The remaining 85% of your grade will be
accumulated in the following manner:

Quizzes/tests/major projects: 40%

Homework/in-class work/ presentations 60%

Academic Integrity:
Exercise academic integrity. Be fair and honest in representing your work in this class. Do not
plagiarize, cheat, or otherwise misrepresent your work. We will discuss what plagiarism means
and how to give appropriate citation throughout the course of the semester. This includes
copying the work of other students. Please review your student handbook for district policies
regarding disciplinary action in instances of plagiarism and cheating.

Google Classroom
This is where you will find daily plans, assignments, and powerpoints. To join, use this class
code: hr1m3bk

Classroom Expectations:
Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared to work. This means
bringing all materials needed, including homework when it is due. Late work is not
accepted.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed before or after
class. I will not remind you to make up work. You should look on Google Classroom
prior to returning to class.
Dinner Table cell phone policy: Cell phones should be placed in the center of the table
upside down upon entering class, and left there unless given permission to use them.
Be nice.