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Course Syllabus
Borough of Manhattan Community College
City University of New York
Department of Social Sciences

Course Title: Lifespan Developmental Psychology PSY 240-1601/Room: S-720

Semester: Fall 2023 Hours: M & W: 4:00-5:15
Instructor: Lisa Greco-Joseph Credits: 3
e-mail: [email protected] Office Hour: Wednesday
2:50-3:50 Room N-657

Course Description: This course will explore the various forces influencing
developmental processes throughout our human lifespan. We will look at ‘what’ develops
and how different theorists conceptualize development, affecting our understanding and
the implications for policy, law, practices, and research. Therefore, theoretical
frameworks and empirical research involved in human development is an important
focus.
Emphasis is on the concepts of nature and nurture as interrelated developmental
processes and the influences other humans have on our development across the lifespan.
We will explore developmental processes through different lenses such as culture,
ethnicity, gender, and disability highlighting diversity inherent in development. The
focus is on process not necessarily outcome. The format of the class is part lecture and
part discussion. Participation in discussion is encouraged as part of the class format
therefore, the expectation is that you will read assigned material prior to class so that you
come to class prepared to contribute your input to discussions.
The organization of information is as follows: The first part of class focuses on the
processes and challenges evident in earliest periods of our development: conception,
birth, infancy, and childhood. The second half focuses on processes and challenges
affecting our adolescence and adult development, ending with the last phase of our
development—our death.
The text is filled with useful information. However, as our time is limited, we will not
cover all the chapters nor everything within each chapter covered.

Prerequisites: Introductory or General Psychology, PSY 100.

Basic Skills: Basic proficiency at using Blackboard, computers/technology/reading

comprehension.

Student Learning Outcomes for PSY 240:

Social and Behavioral Sciences Outcomes- Students Measurements (means of assessment for
will be able to apply the concepts and methods of the student learning outcomes listed in first
social sciences. column)
1. Analyze and evaluate research methods that make Class discussion, Exam, Critical Article
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Psychology a science, including the advantages and Review

disadvantages of each research method, as well as how
they are complimentary.
2. Understand the importance of studying development Exam, Class discussion, Literature Review
and demonstrate the dynamic process involving the Paper
interaction of many domains and factors

3. Understand basic psychological theories, principles, Exam, Class discussions

and concepts

4. Grasp the importance of history in development and Critical Article Review, Class discussion,
developmental studies and how this history impacts Exam
current views
5. Apply developmental psychological concepts and Literature Review Paper, Critical Article
principles to your own lives and experiences Review, Class Discussion

6. Gain proficiency a using the library databases and Library Database/resources, Assignment,
resources to access information and research on Literature Review Paper
developmental topics and synthesize information.
7. Strengthen your ability to critically evaluate Critical Article Review, Literature Review
information and have opportunity to express your paper
informed thoughts in a written matter

Other Student Outcomes:

1. You will understand the importance of studying development at any time across
the human life span and be able to discuss development as a dynamic process
involving the interaction of many factors.
2. You will grasp the importance of history in developmental and developmental
studies, how research is conducted in developmental science, as well as indicate
how contemporary views and research have been impacted by prior views.
3. You will appreciate the complexities and subtleties of change across the life span
and appreciate the contributions of individual differences and human diversity to
these changes.
4. You will analyze the influence of nature and nurture (heredity and environment)
as two interdependent forces impacting processes of development in unique,
individual selves.
5. You will demonstrate how ‘domains’ such as the physical/biological, cognitive,
and psycho-social interrelate in human development across the life span.
6. You will develop a critical understanding of the major theoretical perspectives.
7. You will strengthen your ability to critically evaluate information in the form of
research studies and gain the ability to express your informed thoughts in a
scholarly written format.
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8. You will gain proficiency at using the library databases/resources to access

information and research on developmental topics and synthesize this information
in a literature review paper.
9. You will appreciate the potential inherent in our human development and the
implication of this for application across your academic, professional, and
everyday life.
10. You will develop critical thinking skills, and I hope, enjoy attaining these through
the processes of learning employed in the class: Dialogue, inquiry, and
exploration!

Required Text and Readings: Textbook: Papalia, D.E., and Martorell, G. ().
Experience Human Development (15th Ed.) Boston: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 978-126679-
15980 (Loose-Leaf edition). This text is available in our campus bookstore. A copy of
this textbook is available, on reserve as an eBook, in our college library.
Supplemental Readings: Handouts distributed in class.

Supplemental Text: William Crain (2000). Theories of Development: Concepts and

Applications (Fourth Edition or newer). This is not a required text but offered as a
resource to enhance better understanding of the theoretical frameworks discussed in class.
Strunk, W., White, E.B. (2000). The Elements of Style (4th edition). This is not required
but an invaluable resource for writing.
These supplemental Texts are available in our college library.

Other Resources and Use of Technology: Films, electronic academic journal/reference

search demonstrated, video streaming.

Evaluation and Requirements of Students:

1. Read: I expect you will complete all assigned readings prior to class and
participate in class discussions. As beginning scholars in the field of human
development, it is important to use this opportunity to talk about our ideas as
much as possible. Participation is a valued requirement of this class; it will
contribute greatly to your engagement with, and understanding of, the
material.

2. Library Resources Project: You will complete an assignment on the use of

the library databases. You will have two weeks to complete this
assignment. The aim of this project is to increase your ability to navigate the
databases to find and access information. Ultimately, allowing you to
perform a “literature search” and write a “literature review paper,” see
below, on a topic meaningful for you in Developmental Psychology. (This
assignment contributes 15 points to your overall grade). Due date is listed in
the topics section below.
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3. Critical Article Review: You will write a short critical commentary, a

minimum of two double-spaced typewritten pages. You will pick an article
from the list of research articles I have posted on our BB page, under
Assignments. The importance of this assignment is to support the
development of your critical thinking skills in evaluating empirical research,
in this case, involving studies in developmental psychology. The skills you
gain from this assignment you will apply in composing your final Literature
Review Paper. (This assignment contributes 15 points to your overall
grade). Due date is listed in the topics section below.

4. Literature Review Paper: The rationale behind this assignment is to

increase your knowledge of a developmental topic and relevant research
associated with it. You will choose one topic and one period of the life span
of interest to you. Further discussion of this assignment will take place in
class. Please read BMCC policy on plagiarism below. Your paper will
receive a grade based on the rubric. (This paper contributes 40 points to
your overall grade). The due date for this paper is listed in the topics
section below.
**For Critical Article Summaries, Database project & Literature Review
paper: No late assignments of any kind will be accepted. Late submissions
are considered only in the case of special documented situations serious
enough to prevent a student from completing the work on time and outside
of the student’s control (e.g., documented medical emergency). **

5. Exam: There will be one multiple-choice exam given in the class. This
exam will concern most of the material covered in the first part of the class
Chapters 1 – 6. A review sheet will be made available. (This exam
contributes 30 points to your overall grade). The date for this exam is listed
in the topics section below.
**There is no makeup exam. Missing an exam will result in a grade of
zero (0 points). If you know you have cause to be absent for this exam,
please see me early in the semester. If you must miss the exam for a
legitimate and well-documented reason, please contact me immediately, I
will try to schedule a make-up exam for you. Otherwise, I record the grade
as zero (0 points). **

Grade Calculation: Your total grade is composed of the following:

 Critical Article Review = 15 points
 Library Resource Assignment = 15 points.
 Exam = 30 points
 Literature Review Paper: 40 points
Total Possible Points: (15 + 15 + 30 + 40) = 100 points. These are the total
points for this class. In case there is any confusion with BB, please disregard BB
points and contact me with any questions. Thank you!
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Grade points for letter grades: A (93-100), B+ (87-89), B (83-86). B- (80-82), C+ (77-
79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D- (60-62), F (Below 60)

*** When it comes to your grade, you are responsible for the grade you earn. There is
no extra credit available in this class. Handing in all assignments and doing well on
the exam and assignments allows you to get the best grade possible. ***
The last day to withdraw from the class with a grade of W is 12/11/23.

Class Topics: Below is a listing of the topics we will cover and their corresponding
chapters. We will follow the sequence of these topics; dates for these topics may vary
dependent upon the needs of our class.
In most of our classes, I will provide some orientation toward and explanation of the
assigned readings for that week. However, I cannot cover all issues or material. In each
class session, the assigned readings serve as the background for specific issues or topics
foregrounded. It is of utmost importance that you read the weekly assignments
completely and thoroughly in advance of the class. You, therefore, are responsible for
the entire reading, whether explicitly discussed in class or not. Material from the
readings, whether discussed in class or not, may appear on the exam.

Class Topics: Beginning with Mondays (unless otherwise specified)

Date/Topics: Covered in Chapter(s):

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

08/28: Introduction to the course, Syllabus, assignments, and requirements

09/06 (Wednesday): Introduction to Lifespan Development: Concepts, Processes

1

09/11: Theoretical Frameworks & Research 2

library resource assignment demonstrated in class.

Your Beginnings: Conception, Birth, Childhood

0918/: Heredity & Environment 3

Short Film

09/27 (Wednesday): The first three years & Challenges: birth, Low Birth Weight, 4 ,5
Infant mortality, physical & cognitive development in context, Language Development
in context, Language Development & Bi-directional processes
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*Library Resource Project due*

10/02: The first three years: cognitive development/Language, 5&6

psychosocial development, Trust & Attachment

10/10 & 10/11 (Tuesday & Wednesday): Putting it all together: Film.
*Critical Article Review Due*

10/16: Challenges of Childhood: Maltreatment Abuse & Neglect (Bronfenbrenner)

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Adolescence

10/23: Theories of Parenting, Gender, the self 8

*Submit Topics for Literature Review Paper*

10/30: Review for Exam

11/1: Exam

11/06: Mental Health & Resilience in Childhood 10

*Submit Information on Articles chosen for Literature Review Paper*

11/13: Transitions: Adolescence and its challenges.

Identity & Moral Development 11,12 Group Activity? 11 & 12

Adulthood, Aging, Death

11/20 (Monday Only): Young Adulthood: Others, Trust, Attachment, Vygotsky &
Erikson, Personality, Intelligence/Cognition, Disability & Development 13 & 14
Short Film

11/27 Transitions: Midlife & Late Adulthood 15, 16, 17

Plasticity in cognition and health, Cultural Contexts, Ageism, Aging, Cognition, Elder
Abuse?
*Literature Review Paper Due*

12/04: Transitions Continued & The final developmental period: Death, 18 & 19
Cultural contexts of death, Kubler-Ross’ work on death & dignity, Euthanasia,
Law & your Death

12/11: (Monday Only) Death & Summary 19

12/18: Presentations of Literature Review Papers. Final Revision of Literature

Review Paper Due
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Behavior in Class: While in class, please no headphones or earbuds and cell phones
should be silenced and not visible. (Please no text messaging or cell phone use in class—
if it is an emergency, please take it outside the class—thank you). Please do not bring
food to the class, as we might all be hungry, and your food could be distracting!
However, feel free to bring your favorite beverage.

Participation and Attendance: Participation in the academic activity of each course is a

significant component of the learning process and plays a major role in determining
overall student academic achievement. Academic activities may include, but are not
limited to, attending class, submitting assignments, engaging in in-class or online
activities, taking exams, and/or participation in group work. Each instructor has the right
to establish their own class participation policy, and it is each student’s responsibility to
be familiar with and follow the participation policies for each course.

In our class, two classes can be missed. In the case of excessive absences, I will
deduct points from your overall grade as follows: after allowed absences, (2), for each
successive absence 1.00 point will be deducted from your overall grade average. Please
try not to miss class!
Classes begin promptly. Arrival in class after the scheduled starting time constitutes
lateness. Lateness will affect your attendance, as being late twice is considered one
absence. Please try to get to class on time!

You should come to class prepared to ask questions and contribute to discussions. This is
an interactive class, and your participation is important to that end.

BMCC Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Integrity Statement: Plagiarism is the

presentation of someone else’s ideas, words or artistic, scientific, or technical work as
one’s own creation. Using the idea or work of another is permissible only when the
original author is identified. Paraphrasing and summarizing, as well as direct quotations
require citations to the original source. Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional.
Lack of dishonest intent does not necessarily absolve a student of responsibility for
plagiarism. Students unsure how and when to provide documentation are advised to
consult with their instructors. The library has guides designed to help students
appropriately identify a cited work. The full policy can be found on BMCC’s web site,
www.bmcc.cuny.edu. For further information on integrity and behavior, please consult
the college bulletin (also available online).

Gender-Inclusivity: BMCC community members have the right to use and be referred to
according to their preferred name, title, and /or personal pronouns. Everyone also has the
right to use all spaces according to their self-identification, including restrooms and
locker rooms. To learn more about how to change your preferred name and affirm your
gender identity at CUNY (including requesting a new ID care and/or email address), go
here: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/lgbtqu/.
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Anyone who has experienced harassment related to gender or sexual identification, who
needs assistance, or who wishes to file a complaint, can contact the Office of Compliance
and Diversity: https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/about-bmcc/compliance-diversity/.

FREE BMCC STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES:

BMCC is committed to the health and well-being of all students. It is common for
everyone to seek assistance at some point in their life, and there are free and confidential
services on campus that can help.

Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC):

https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/student-affairs/arc/. Room S230, Phone: 212-220-8195,
Email: [email protected].
If you are having problems with food or housing insecurity, finances, health insurance or
anything else that might get in the way of your studies at BMCC, contact the Advocacy
and Resource Center (formerly Single Stop) for assistance. Please contact us at
[email protected], call 212-220-8195, or come by the office at room S230. You may
also contact the Office of Student Affairs, S350, 212-220-8130,
[email protected], for assistance.

Counseling Center: www.bmcc.cuny.edu/counseling. Room S343, Phone: 212-220-

8140, Email: [email protected].
Counselors assist students in addressing psychological and adjustment issues (i.e.,
depression, anxiety, and relationships) and can help with stress, time management and
more. Counselors are available for walk-in visits.

Office of Compliance and Diversity:

https://www.bmcc.suny.edu/about-bmcc/compliance-diversity/. Room S701, Phone:
212-220-1236, Email: [email protected] or [email protected].
BMCC is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment free of
unlawful discrimination/harassment, including sexual harassment, where all students are
treated fairly. For information about BMCC’s policies and resources, or to request
additional assistance in this area, please visit or call the office, or email
[email protected] or [email protected]. If you need immediate assistance,
please contact BMCC Public Safety at 212-220-8080.

Office of Accessibility (OA): www.bmcc.cuny.edu/accessibility. Room N360,

Accessible Entrance: 77 Harrison Street, Phone: 212-220-8180, Email:
[email protected].
Students who need academic accommodations in connection with a disability must
initiate the request with BMCC’s Office of Accessibility (OA). Students need to register
with the Office of Accessibility in order to officially disclose their disability status to the
College and to determine eligibility for appropriate reasonable accommodations
(including any prior IEPs or 504s). Please contact the OA at the start of the semester (or
as soon as possible) to coordinate any accommodations request/s.
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The Learning Resource Center (LRC): provides academic support services to meet
student learning needs and strengthen student academic skills by affording students the
opportunity to complete their coursework successfully and increase the likelihood that
students will be retained, persist and graduate from BMCC. The LRC is located in room
S-501, or you can contact someone at (212) 220-1384 or [email protected].
To assist students in learning online, we have developed a number of remote/online
services in our new Virtual Learning Center www.bmcc.cuny.edu/students/lc/ and
[email protected].

BMCC Library: Accessing library resources from off-campus

To access resources from off-campus you must log in with the barcode on the back of
your BMCC ID. If you have problems logging in or do not have a BMCC ID please
contact the library directly.
The A. Philip Randolph Memorial Library is in rooms S410 and S438 MC. Phone
(Circulation): 212-220-1451/Phone (Reference): 212-220-8139.

Writing Center: BMCC has a place designated to assist and support students with each
stage of the writing process. This resource is there for your use and is a good resource
given the amount of writing for this class. The Writing Center is in Room S-510.
Contact personnel at [email protected]. Phone: 212-220-1384

~I am available, should you need me, outside of office /class hours through e-mail.
Please do not hesitate to use this form of communication. Thank you and I look forward
to our class together~