PSYCH-172 - Developmental Psychology - Siane M. Holland
| Course: | Developmental Psychology |
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| Professor: | Siane M. Holland |
| Email: | siane.holland@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Welcome to the remote/live College of the Canyons, Psychology 172 course. My name is Siane M. Holland. I sincerely look forward to connecting with and working with each of you during our upcoming semester! I am a Bruin, a Wave, & a Cougar (careful, it's not what you think; you are Cougars too, LOL!). I am a spirited UCLA alumnus, a tried and true Pepperdine University alumnus, and a dedicated professor here at the College of the Canyons. I currently work with the UCLA Alumni Mentorship Program as well. Go Cougars! and Go Bruins!
Please read this entire letter to learn important details about our course requirements. If you have any questions that are not covered here within this letter, please contact me at siane.holland@canyons.edu.
Course Description
Welcome to Psychology 172! Together we will explore the indelible layers and the developmental stages of this remarkable journey we call LIFE.
We will explore our humble beginnings as embryos, examine the intricate stages of infancy and childhood onto adulthood, our elder years, and even death itself. In essence, we will investigate the profound psychological and physical journey we experience from our alpha stage to the omega stage and every stage in between. In addition, we will analyze the critical developmental milestones needed to thrive throughout each stage of life. At the core of it all, beyond the titles, the labels, the diagnoses, and the PhDs, the field of psychology can be summed up into this one simple phrase: “It is all about people helping people.”
What to Expect in this Course
The online LIVE classroom and learning experience differs from the traditional lecture and learning experience. Online and hybrid courses require students to learn by reading their course materials and by submitting consistent written responses on examinations, assignments & activities. Since this is an online course, you are required to master the material outside of the classroom setting. Please reserve 15-20 weekly hours of committed studying in order to complete the reading assignments and additional projects for this class. If you have the desire to explore the dynamics of the human condition from an EQUITABLE and multi-cultural perspective and the ways in which our developmental stages directly impact our growth from season to season, I highly encourage you to take this course! This class will provide you a strong overview of the field of developmental psychology, encourage your personal & psychological growth, and provide you the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of students from diverse backgrounds.
If you have any general questions about distance learning programs at the College of the Canyons, please visit the COC Distance Learning Web Site.
The work for this class will be completed using CANVAS, an online course management learning system. In order to succeed in this course, you should be familiar (at a minimum) with using internet browser software (such as Google, Firefox, etc.), using Microsoft Word, using ZOOM, and with sending and receiving e-mail via CANVAS. As the instructor of this course, I am responsible for helping you to learn about the field of psychology, foundational developmental concepts, and giving constructive feedback regarding these elements. However, you are solely responsible for seeking instructional and technical support for computer usage, learning the fundamentals of the internet, e-mail programs, and/or other online learning platforms. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you have reliable equipment and network connections before signing up for this (or any) online course.
Types of Assessments
Our online LIVE class will include various graded assessments including:
- Discussion boards
- Assignments (essay style submissions)
- Weekly quizzes
- A field research project
- Exams
The Discussion Boards require a personal response to a question I will pose to the class, as well as a response to another student. All exams (two midterms and one final) are completed ONLINE and consist of multiple-choice questions. These exams will be administered on an open-note/open book basis. The details for each specific task are included in the syllabus and I will make the assignment available to you no later than the Friday before the assignment is due. If you have any questions regarding course expectations, please contact me for further details.
Textbook Information
COC Psych Dept (2019). Human Development, A Cultural Approach, 3rd Edition Author: Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, Pearson/ISBN-13: 978-0-13-464134-8.
I strongly recommend acquiring the textbook prior to the beginning of class, as our course work will begin with a running start.
Given that this is a remote live Zoom course, all students need an accessible computer and a valid College of the Canyons e-mail address that is accessed regularly, preferably daily. Please remember that it is your responsibility to use a computer with reliable internet access. If your internet connection is dropped because of a faulty connection or if other technical difficulties occur with your computer, it is your responsibility to troubleshoot the issues. Also, please download the free CANVAS app onto your smartphones and select College of the Canyons as your campus along with student status. Having the CANVAS app on your phone will enable you to check your grades and access your assignments 24/7!
Other Relevant Course Information
Regarding your written assignments, collegiate level English, collegiate level content, proper editing, and clear syntax are required for all written assignments in this course (whether they are brief or substantive). The lack of professional written communications via precludes many Fortune 500 companies from hiring today’s college graduates. Students who make the concerted effort to improve their writing skills within their college courses not only stand to earn a stronger g.p.a., they also stand to gain a sharper professional edge over their competition in the workforce. That's what I call a win-win situation! If you struggle with your general writing or editing skills, please visit the TLC tutoring center which is accessible via our CANVAS class shell (free tutoring center which offers excellent & supportive online * in-person tutoring resources) or visit the OWL (Online Writing Lab) Purdue website (free online writing resource).
The course calendar which includes specific assignments and test due dates will be included within the syllabus. Class, please note that this course is a remote/live class. Thus, we will not have any on-campus or face-to-face meetings. This course will be available on Canvas beginning on the first official day of class. Only officially enrolled students will be issued a CANVAS account.
Lastly, I realize that you/we have all survived and are still navigating a very challenging season. The fact that you are enrolling in this course and continuing your education says a great deal about your perseverance, your tenacity, and your character! I am here to encourage you and to support your academic goals as we continue to brave through this unprecedented “boot camp” season. Stay UP students! I sincerely look forward to seeing and meeting each of you soon. Cheers to you, welcome to this class and to the semester! Go get 'em class!
All My Best, Siane M. Holland, Professor of Psychology, College of the Canyons
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 09/16/2021 Sub#: 656