PSYC 2553 Lifespan Developmental Psychology Syllabus W01 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
42.2703
Course Meeting Time

Online/Asynchronous

Course Description

This course focuses on the changes which occur in normal development between conception and death in the areas of cognitive, physical, and social development. Some sections of this course are taught in the computer lab; computer literacy skills are recommended. IAI: S6 902.

Prerequisites

Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
S6-902
IAI Title
Lifespan Developmental Psch
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking
Explanation of Course Alignment

IAI Number: S6-902

IAI Title: Life-span Developmental Psychology

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Jessica Maureen Oladapo
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
815-802-8707
Faculty Office Number
L311
Faculty Student Support Hours

Tuesday & Thursday 9am -11am, L311

Friday 9-11am, online

Faculty Information

Jessica M. Oladapo

L311

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Understand how children/adolescents/adults construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop habits of mind
  2. Analyze how demographic and economic changes in the USA are impacting the family unit, child rearing in the home and at school.
  3. Contrast child-rearing practices and parenting styles in different ethnic groups.
  4. Understand basic research methods and able to identify methodological flaws in research studies as well as interpret correlations in research.
  5. Describe early childhood education programs that enhance cognitive and social skills.
  6. Understand attachment/bonding theory and its impact on development for later years.
  7. Identify age characteristics described in the stage theories: Freud, Erikson, and Piaget.
  8. Understand that children’s/adolescents’/adults’ physical, social, emotional, ethical, cognitive and language development influences learning
  9. Understand human developmental concepts, learning theory, neural science, and the ranges of individual variation within each domain
  10. Understand that differences in approaches to learning and performance interact with development
  11. Understand the impact of cognitive, emotional, physical, and sensory disabilities on learning and communication processes
  12. Understand the areas of exceptionality in learning as defined in the Individual with Disabilities Act
  13. Understand how cultural and gender differences can affect communication
  14. Understand the benefits, barriers, and techniques involved in parent/family relationships
  15. Compare and contrast the basic assumptions of four main theories of development: psychoanalytical, Piagetian, Vygotskyian, and behavioral.
Topical Outline
  1. Prenatal Development and Birth
  2. Physical, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Development During:
    1. Infancy
    2. Early Childhood
    3. Middle and Late Childhood
    4. Adolescence
    5. Early Adulthood
    6. Middle Adulthood
    7. Late Adulthood
  3. Dying and Grief
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Allison Sidle Fuligni; Andrew J. Fuligni; Jessica Bayne (2023). Scientific American: Lifespan Development. MacMillian Learning.

Other required readings will be posted via CANVAS.

Methods of Evaluation

 

Grading is based on:

Discussion Posts/Chapter Quizzes/Chapter Project

The grading breakdown is:

Quizzes - 40%

Discussion posts – 30%

Chapter Project – 30%

Grading Scale

A --- (100 – 90%)

B --- (90 – 80%)

C --- (80 – 70%)

D --- (70 - 60%)

F --- less than 60%

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

General Set up of the class

1. POSTING REQUIREMENTS: Each week there will be discussion sections. Please respond with an original post/answer.

2. You may respond to your classmates’ original posts. These responses should be thoughtful, challenging, and well organized. A response of “I agree” or “I disagree” is not thought provoking. You may, however, add to an idea, refute an idea, and give an argument as to why you agree or disagree, citing evidence from the text. Responses are not required but are encouraged. Additional points may be gained for thoughtful, thought provoking responses that further the conversation.

3. Also in the folder for each week, there may be possible video clips and other reading materials. Please pay close attention to the discussion question as it may require you to watch or read the other materials prior to completion.

4. This is a completely online course. As such, you are required to be able to work independently and stay on task. Quizzes will be on material covered in the text, as well as the online discussions. You are responsible for reading and understanding the material. I am available and during office hours if clarification is needed.

Course Calendar
DateChapter Assignment Due
January 12- January 18Introductions
January 19 – January 25

Chapter 1 – The Science of Human Development

Chapter 2 – Theories and Methods of Human Development

January 26 – February 1Chapter 3: Prenatal and Birth
February 2 – February 8Chapter 4 & 5: Toddlerhood
February 9 – February 15Chapter 6 & 7: Early Childhood
February 16 – February 22Chapter 6 & 7: Early Childhood
February 23 – March 1Chapter 8 & 9: Middle Childhood
March 2 – March 8Chapter 8 & 9: Middle Childhood
March 9 – March 15

Spring Break

March 16 – March 22Chapter 10 & 11: Adolescence
March 23 – March 29Chapter 10 & 11: Adolescence
March 30 – April 5Chapter 12 & 13: Early Adulthood
April 6 – April 12Chapter 12 & 13: Early Adulthood
April 13 – April 19Chapter 13 & 14: Middle Adulthood
April 20 – April 26Chapter 13 & 14: Middle Adulthood
April 27 – May 3Chapter 15 & 16: Late Adulthood
May 4 – May 10Chapter 15 & 16: Late Adulthood
May 11 – May 14Finals Week

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.