Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence in an Urban Context

In Class Assignments (count towards participation grade)

1/31: Introduction/Expectations for Course: In a paragraph or so, please

1. • introduce yourself, including your academic level, major, any previous education or psychology courses you have taken, and any other information you feel is important, and
   • outline your expectations and goals/objectives for this course. Please note if there are any specific questions you have, topics you wish to cover, etc.

2/7/11: In your groups, answer the following questions: (grade posted in Blackboard: satisfactory = 0 pts, superior = 1 pt, exceptional = 2 pts)

1. What is Postman referring to when he uses the word “childhood?”
   
2. What evidence does Postman present to argue that childhood did not always exist?
3. Does Postman see childhood as an invention, discovery, essence, or something else?
4. What are the factors that influenced the emergence of childhood?
5. What is some of the evidence that Postman puts forward in his claim that childhood is disappearing?

2/14:

Based on our initial conversations about childhood and adolescence, what are some questions regarding these constructs that Psychology could potentially answer? (grade posted in Blackboard: satisfactory = 0 pts)

3/7 (groupwork):

(grade posted in Blackboard: needs improvement – 0-6 pts, satisfactory = 7 pts, superior = 8-9 pts, exceptional = 10 pts)

1. Explain how the gene-behavior (or gene-trait) relationship is more complex than how it is often construed (i.e., gene causes trait). How does the concept of heritability fit into this issue?
2. Using examples from the descriptions of genetic disorders, explain how genes and the environment interact in human development (ontogeny).
3. What are some ways that culture and biology have worked together in human evolution (phylogeny)?

3/23 (group) (grade posted in Blackboard: needs improvement – 0-6 pts, satisfactory = 7 pts, superior = 8-9 pts, exceptional = 10 pts)

Using quotes from the text as support, summarize Vygotsky’s position. Include his distinction between “primitive” and “weakminded” children and the special role of language in his development.

5/4-9 (group)

Blog Assignments

Due 2/14 (Before Class) Category – Construction of Childhood and Adolescence (grade posted in Blackboard – out of 30)

In your opinion, what is the status of childhood today? Use evidence from some  of the categories below, or include your own categories. Include links to websites, videos, or other resources that back up your position.

• Sexuality
• Clothing
• Games
• Jargon
• Media/tv
• Music
• Rights
• History of childhood as a subject of study
• Justice system

Final

due May 26th – 11:59 PM (e-mail or in my mailbox, 7th floor English Department)

A major objective of theories and research in Developmental Psychology is to inform the way society supports individuals throughout their lifespan. Consider three areas that have a direct impact on the development of individuals in our society:

A.     Education (Organization and structure, curriculum, teaching practices, etc.)

B.     Parenting (Strategies, common practices, discipline, media, etc.)

C.     Government (Laws and legislation, support programs, regulations, etc.)

For each of these three areas, discuss:

1)   What role you think Psychology should play in informing practice. For example, how much should educators, parents, legislators rely on the work of Psychologists to inform the work that they do. How much responsibility do Psychologists have in providing knowledge and/or guidance for educators, parents, and legislators?

2)   How Developmental Psychology can be used in this domain to improve practice, including

a.     Specific research studies and/or findings from the textbook that could inform practice in this domain.

b.     Specific theoretical constructs that can help explain and inform practice in this domain.

For each area, your response should be 2-4 pages, double spaced (standard margins, 12 pt, times). Make sure to include citations from the textbook. While you are not required to use any sources in addition to the textbook, you can include additional sources if they are cited correctly.

Extra Credit Assignments

Blog about:

• volunteer experience
• films that relate to concepts from class
• documentaries that cover issues related to child and/or adolescent psychology
• trip to museum exhibits (e.g., brain exhibit, evolution exhibit at amnh)
• Our exploration into childhood has been limited to childhood in “Western” culture. How has childhood existed/evolved in other cultures? (i.e., various Asian cultures, Native American cultures, African cultures, etc.)

Midterm Corrections – Due Wednesday, April 6th

For each incorrect multiple choice question,

A. Explain the following. If I accept your explanation, you will get 1 point

1. Why you chose the answer you chose
2. What you think the correct answer is
3. Why the correct answer is correct

-or-

B. Explain why you think the answer you chose is correct. If I accept your explanation, you will get a full 2 points. If not, you will get 0 points.