PSYC 525 Developmental Psychology

An understanding of developmental theory and research will serve as a foundation for the student’s subsequent coursework and research in developmental psychology. This course offers an opportunity for students to understand the complexities of human development across the lifespan such that their future work in any setting will reflect the best evidence-based developmental theory available in hopes of making maximum impact for Christ.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Discussion threads that answer the question(s) presented must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the main thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words. Each thread must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citations in current APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in current APA format. Any academic sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include textbooks, scholarly articles, the Bible, etc. (CLO: A, C, D)

Article Critique Assignment

The student will locate an empirical study published in the last 3 years in a peer-reviewed journal and write a 4-page critique of the article, paying special attention to research methods and connection to developmental theory. The critique must use current APA format. (CLO: A, B)

Theory Evaluation Paper Assignment

The student will write a 4-page response to the provided prompt in current APA format that demonstrates critical thinking with respect to theories covered through Module 3: Week 3. The paper must include at least 5 citations of course readings. (CLO: A, B)

Developmental Research Paper Assignment

The student will write a 5-page paper in current APA format that describes a developmental theory and evaluates a specific developmental issue across the lifespan from the chosen theoretical framework, using empirical research from at least 5 peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last 5 years. (CLO: A, C, E)

Midterm Essay Questions Assignment

The student will submit an open-book/open-note written assignment that consists of four essay questions. Each essay must be at least 2 pages in length. The aim of the assignment is to help the student master and synthesize the class material. The assignment—with all four essays included—must be submitted as a Word document with appropriate in-text citations and references. (CLO: A, B)

Narrated Presentation Assignment

The student will create a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that applies research in developmental psychology to a practical problem during a specific stage in the lifespan and narrate it, using at least 5 empirical studies from peer-reviewed journals. The chosen topic must have real-world implications. The presentation must adhere to current APA format, contain 20 slides, and be 10 minutes in length. (CLO: A, C, E)