Welcome to the website for developmental psychology sections 7, 9, and 14!   Please feel free to email me questions or comments at any time throughout the course.  I will do my best to be available and to respond in a timely manner.  I have posted the content of the section syllabus on this website on this page and the 'course requirements' page. If you would like to print an extra copy, (in adobe acrobat format) please click here.
(If you do not have Adobe Acrobat reader or would like to update your current version, please visit http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/readstep.html.)

The purpose of section is to provide you with the opportunity to discuss issues related to human development and psychology in greater depth. The format will be flexible and will vary from week to week. Generally, class will consist of discussion, collaborative group work, experiential activities, and presentations. I will also do my best to reserve the beginning of each class for any questions or other concerns you may be having about lecture, the textbook, etc. In addition, discussion questions will be posted several days prior to section each week to focus and guide reading of the textbook. I expect everyone to review these questions before class each week and to come to class prepared to incorporate your reactions and questions into the class activities.

a) attend both lectures and discussion sections regularly
b) read the weekly assignments beforehand and review discussion questions
c) think critically about the readings
d) complete all assignments on-time
e) actively participate in all discussions and activities

Class participation: I expect everyone to come to class prepared to actively participate in class discussions, having carefully read and thought about the material beforehand. I value most those discussions in which you are doing most of the talking. Interacting with each other and with the course material, I believe, is more important than interacting with me (at least during class time). Rather than arguing and debating with one another, it is more important to discuss issues in a respectful and cooperative manner, building on each other’s ideas. Of course, there will be time for vigorous debate and disagreement, but we will strive to accomplish this in a climate of mutual respect and trust. I am aware of the difficulty in participating in large groups and know that some people may feel uncomfortable speaking out. Nevertheless, I encourage you to take risks and to share your ideas. Please also feel free to come and talk with me during my office hours. I am looking forward to working with you and will do my best to be available and responsive to any questions or concerns that you may have.

Grading Policy: Because you are given a good deal of choice in due dates for the assignments in this class, there will be NO extensions granted and NO assignments will be accepted after the last day of class. Late assignments will be deducted by 3 points for each day late – including weekends. I do not typically check my mailbox on the weekend, so if you have to turn in an assignment on Saturday or Sunday, please e-mail it to me as an attachment. Any assignment you have not handed in by the last day of section will receive a zero.

Paper format: Papers for this course should be typed (with standard fonts/margins) and double-spaced. Please include your name, date, assignment title, and section number on all assignments. Please also proofread, spell-check, and staple!