PSYC 172 - Developmental Psychology - Aivee Ortega

Introduction

I’m excited to be learning alongside you this semester. One thing to know about me is that I’m naturally curious about people: why we think the way we do, how our experiences shape us, and how we continue to grow and change throughout our lives. That curiosity is one of the reasons I enjoy psychology.

The first thing I’d like you to know about this course is that you don’t need to come in knowing anything about developmental psychology. Come willing to participate, be curious, and try. We’ll build from there together. My hope is that somewhere along the way, you find yourself saying, “Oh—that explains a lot!” about yourself, someone you know, or the world around you.

Course Description

What to Expect in this Course

One of the first things I’d like you to know is that this course is about more than memorizing theories and stages of development. We’ll explore how people grow and change across the entire lifespan—from before birth through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life—and connect what we learn to the real world.

I’m also a very hands-on learner. I learn best when I can take what I’m learning and actually do something with it, and that influences the way I teach. I don’t want this course to be about simply reading a textbook, memorizing theories, and taking tests. I want you to make connections between what we're learning and the people, relationships, and experiences you see in everyday life. You’ll have opportunities to apply what you’re learning through activities, projects, discussions. 

Types of Assessments

Quizzes, discussion boards, and written assignments.

Textbook Information

This course uses a Zero Textbook Cost book, which you can access at https://openstax.org/details/books/lifespan-development

The textbook will also be available for download in our Canvas course.

Other Relevant Course Information

This is a fully online course with assignment deadlines each week. You will need to stay organized and engaged. New course content will be organized into weekly modules so you always know what to read, watch, and complete. Because this is an online course, I encourage you to check Canvas regularly and avoid waiting until the weekend to begin your work. When we have discussions, your initial post will typically be due Thursday, with peer responses and other assignments due Sunday. This gives you time to interact with your classmates and complete the rest of the week's work.

Most importantly, I want to hear from you. Your assignments and discussions should reflect your own thoughts, ideas, experiences, and understanding of the material. Please use your own words rather than relying on AI to think or write for you. Your work does not need to sound overly academic or like it came from a textbook. I would much rather read an authentic response that shows me how you are thinking about and applying what you are learning.

At the same time, this is still a college-level course. While I want your authentic voice, your written work should be clear, organized, and proofread before you submit it. Please use complete sentences and appropriate grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I am not looking for perfection, but I do expect you to take the time to review your work and communicate your ideas clearly.

You do not need to be an expert with technology or psychology to succeed in this course. What matters most is that you stay engaged, keep up with the weekly modules, think for yourself, ask questions when you need help, and communicate with me if something comes up. Online learning requires independence, but you are not expected to figure everything out on your own.

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: 08/21/2026 Sub#: 2086 Sub ID: 219192