Syllabus 303
Fall 2016

Adult Development and Aging, PSY 303 - Section 01
Illinois State University
Alvin E. House, Ph.D.

Class Time: 11-11:50 MWF Classroom: DeG 305
Dr. House's office: DeGarmo 419
office hours: 10-11 Mon & Wed and by appointment
http://www.psychology.ilstu.edu/aehouse/
Telephone: 438-8508
e-mail: aehouse@ilstu.edu

Graduate Assistant: Japher Su
GA office hours: 9-12 Mon, 1-3 Fri
e-mail: jsu12@ilstu.edu

Textbook: Whitbourne, S.K. & Whitbourne, S.B. (2014), Adult Development and Aging, 5th edition. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

wk 1 themes & issues: read ch. 1
wk 2 models of development: ch. 2
wk 3 research in adult development & aging: ch. 3
wk 4 physical changes: ch. 4
wk 5 health: ch. 5
wk 6 information processing, attention, memory: ch. 6
wk 7 language, problem solving, intelligence: ch. 7
wk 8 personality: ch. 8
wk 9 relationships: ch. 9
wk 10 adjustment: reading tba
wk 11 work, retirement, leisure: ch. 10
wk 12 mental health: ch. 11
wk 13 long-term care: ch. 12
wk 14 death & dying: ch. 13
wk 15 successful aging: ch. 14
test #3, final exam period

Psy 303 provides an overview of physical, psychological, sociological, and cultural factors influencing development during adult life. The goals are to increase the student’s understanding of our current knowledge and theories regarding adult development and aging, as well as to consider the impact of individual choices--both beneficial and harmful. You may wish to take a look at my general philosophy of teaching (http://lilt.ilstu.edu/aehouse/philof.htm).

Learning objectives (see web page)

There are three tests, breaking the semester into approximate thirds. Tests are worth 100 points each for a total of 300 points. The format of tests will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.

Test #1 will be scheduled for:  approximately September 23rd, 2016 
Test #2 will be scheduled for:  approximately October 28th, 2016
Test #3  will be scheduled for the final examination period for our class (it is a unit test, like the first two)

For weeks 2-15 I would like you to write one question you have about the topic that is not answered by your textbook. Please type/print these. Questions are due on the Monday the topic is to be discussed (except for the first week) and are worth 2 points each for a total of approximately 30 points.

There may be several in-class assignments and/or brief (<1 page) reaction papers due at the next class period. Point values are variable but will usually be between 2 and 10 points each for a total of approximately 100 points.

There will be a quiz at the end of most Friday classes, covering the week’s classes and reading assignment. Quizzes are worth 10 points for a total of approximately 150 points. The format of quizzes will be True/False.

Grading is based on points: the points you have earned divided by the base (points that were available):
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F <60%

For as long as possible all withdrawals will be WX. After the calendar limit for WX passes, a WP will be given if the student has 70% or more of the points available at the time of the withdrawal; a WF will be given if the student has 69% or less of the points available at that time.

No extra credit projects or papers are accepted in this class. In borderline cases I will take into consideration factors such as: whether all assignments were turned in, class attendance and participation, your own efforts to seek help.

Academic Integrity: Instances of cheating and willful academic dishonesty will result in referral to the appropriate University office for disciplinary action and will result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Keep all tests and assignments until you have your final grade for the course.

Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice) or 438-8620 (TDD).