(Scroll down for important information, including required textbook, syllabi, study guides, and PowerPoint handouts)
Life Span Psychology (PSYC 2130) will provide Learners with essential information on the psychological and physiological growth and development of the human organism beginning with conception and continuing through aging and death. This course is very comprehensive, surveying a range of topics within biological (physical), cognitive, and socioemotional development.
However, the comprehensiveness of this course is balanced by the intrinsic reward of developing new insights into human development. Learners often remark how PSYC 2130 has changed their perspective of their own human development as well as the development of others in their lives. Many of the theories, concepts, and principles discussed can be readily applied to one's own life. Learners leave PSYC 2130 with a broad understanding and deeper appreciation for the complexity and intricate nature of the human being.
Important Information for Learners Enrolled in My Course:
Required Textbook —
Companion Website
Belsky, J. (2010). Experiencing the lifespan (2nd ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.
(Use the ISBN to search for this textbook online or at the Columbia State bookstore)
- The ISBN for this textbook is 9781429219501.
Important Notice Concerning the Columbia State Bookstore: It is the absolute responsibility of the Learner to obtain a copy of the required textbook BEFORE the first day of class. The Instructor WILL NOT be held responsible for bookstore “sold outs”, back orders, shipment delays, or issues with a Learner’s financial aid. If a Learner does not have their required textbook by the first day of class, then it is the sole and absolute responsibility of said Learner to obtain a copy of the required textbook ASAP. The Instructor will not lend out his textbook to a Learner, nor will the Instructor be responsible for directing the Learner to alternative routes toward the required textbook. Class will proceed as tentatively scheduled and all Learners will be responsible for textbook content including readings and related assignments to include exams and quizzes.
Course Syllabi for Spring Term 2012 - (All syllabi are password-protected and in .PDF format)
PSYC 2130 L01, MW, 11:00am - 12:20pm
Targeted Exam Study Guides for Spring Term 2012 - (Files in .PDF format)
NOTE: The study guides may contain typos and errors (These are homemade study guides). If you have a question about any of the information, contact me sooner than later.
EXAM 1
EXAM 2
EXAM 3
Author's PowerPoint Slide Handouts - (Files in .PDF format)
CAUTION: PowerPoint
Presentation handouts are provided to learners as a courtesy—I am not obligated to provide them. Still, learners often feel compelled to write down
every word on a given instructor's PowerPoint. So, to cut down on this
note-taking behavior, which I believe distracts from real learning, I
provide my learners with handouts.
However, I want to make it very clear that PowerPoint
Presentations should NOT be used to study for quizzes or exams and
PowerPoint Presentations should NOT be used to understand textbook
content. PowerPoint Presentations are intentionally incomplete and
do not cover everything, or even most of the stuff in the textbook. In
my courses, ALL information for quizzes and exams will come from the
required textbook—not from PowerPoints and not from lecture/discussion. If you study for quizzes or exams using PowerPoint Presentations only, then you will likely fail the assessment.
Each of the following PowerPoint Presentation handouts are oriented "landscape" instead of "portrait". The landscape orientation allows for better visual clarity and larger font. All PowerPoint Presentations are "as is" and will not be customized for individual learners. If you are viewing these handouts from a computer, it's recommended that you increase view to 100% and hit "CTRL-SHIFT-PLUS" to rotate clockwise.
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11
Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15
Contrary to popular belief, both success and failure are options. Choose wisely.
In order to maximize success in psychology courses at
Columbia States, students are urged to have very good reading, writing, and
studying skills. The ability to think critically and reflectively is a plus!
(“What is Critical
Thinking?”) The topics covered in all of the psychology
courses offered at Columbia State can be very challenging, necessitating an
excellent study and work ethic.
Don’t be afraid to participate. It is when
students actively listen, engage, and participate in a course that authentic learning takes place. Ask questions.
Answer questions posed by the instructor. Make insightful, informed comments. If
you want to get the most out of your education, then participate in class.
(“Class
Participation”)
Read, read, and read! You have to read and study
to be successful in psychology. Now, we know that students have very busy lives,
but your education should be just as important as any other life domain—you are
paying good money for it, you are using up good time for it, and you are making
many sacrifices for it. Reading and studying are crucial elements in most
college courses. If you believe your reading and studying skills are lacking,
then seek to improve them. (“Seven Critical
Reading Strategies”)
Finally, get to know your instructors. It never
ceases to amaze just how little attention students pay to this essential element
of success in higher education. Visit your instructor during posted office
hours; try to meet with your instructor before and after class. Utilize the
instructor’s willingness to provide out-of-class tutelage. Seek to understand
your instructor’s personality, teaching philosophy, likes and dislikes, and
interesting quirks. Students would be surprised how successful they will be if
they took the time to form a genuine, cordial, and professionally affable
relationship with their instructors. (“College Professor
Tips” ; “Get to Know Your
College Professors”)
