Course Syllabus
Contact Information
PURPOSE:
This course provides graduate students with a theoretical base for human lifespan development. It has two primary goals: (1) to integrate biological knowledge, cultural/spiritual knowledge, psychological theories, social systems theory, and essential social work perspectives into a coherent perspective for understanding human behavior of individuals, families, and small groups; (2) to expose students to the basic processes and issues involved in human development over the life-span.
With this knowledge base, students will develop a competent understanding of human development for culturally competent generalist practice. The essential social work perspectives to be integrated into the course are systems, diversity, strengths, empowerment, and social/economic justice.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES:
Given regular class attendance, participation in class activities, completion of assigned readings, and successful completion of course assignments, students will, after the course, have the ability to:
-
Describe how biology influences human development over the life span and how environment influences biological and neurological functioning, and the ongoing interactions between ‘nature and nurture”.
-
Describe current knowledge of neurological and cognitive development and functioning over the life-span;
-
Describe theories of identity development which explain gender, cultural, spiritual, family, and psychosocial development over the life-span;
-
Use theoretical knowledge to identify and describe the distinctive developmental features of populations-at-risk in society.
Course Materials
- Feldman, R. S. (2020). Life Span Development: A Topical Approach. Boston: Pearson.
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.)
- National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics for Social Workers (2021)
TEACHING/LEARNING METHODS:
This course is presented in a format that combines lecture, class projects, and extensive class participation. In order to have a high level of discussion and adequate participation in class projects, students are expected to have read the assigned materials before class meets. The class will make use of audiovisual materials, exercises, guest speakers, and other means to achieve the educational outcomes. I will post information on canvas such as the syllabus, handouts, course notes, etc. I will communicate with the class via email and also encourage you to correspond with me through email as this will allow me to respond most quickly.
CLASS POLICIES:
Methods of Evaluation
May include, but are not limited to, written assignments, class presentations, and class participation. The course and instructor are evaluated formally using The University of Oklahoma student evaluation of courses format. In addition, suggestions and comments by students are accepted and welcomed. Faculty peer evaluation may be employed at the discretion of the instructor.
Late Assignments
This course is designed to equip you in becoming the best practitioner in Social Work. As social workers, we must meet documentation deadlines, therefore, this course will hold you to those same standards. Assignments will be considered late if submitted after the due date; in which points will be deducted from that assignment's total grade. We know that life happens and communication surrounding any unique situations preventing an assignment from being submitted on time is greatly appreciated, however, the removal of points will still be in effect. Let's enhance those time management skills by committing to meeting deadlines.
Course Components
Case Analysis Paper
The case analysis assignment will include two papers based on a case study that are due throughout the semester at times indicated on the course Canvas site and the course schedule. These papers asses the student’s understanding and ability to integrate individual and family theories within a systems perspective. Using the case study, One Little Boy, students will construct a comprehensive view of a family experiencing difficulty. This task develops integrative and critical thinking necessary for generalist assessment and intervention at the micro level.
Discussion Boards
Discussion boards will be posted throughout the semester. Students are expected to have read course material prior to participating in discussion boards. Students are expected to integrate course material into discussion board posts. Students have two responsibilities for each discussion board: initial posts and response posts. Due dates for initial posts and response posts are noted in the course calendar and on the canvas site.
Social Work Competencies Alignment Table
| Competencies | Course Content |
Dimensions(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Competency 1 Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior |
Discussion Board |
|
| Competency 2 Engage diversity and difference in practice |
Discussion Board |
|
| Competency 4 Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice |
Case Analysis-One Little Boy |
|
| Competency 6 – Engage with individuals |
Discussion Board |
|
| Competency 7 Assess individuals, families |
Case Analysis-One Little Boy |
|
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis Paper 1 |
Contextual Analysis & Physical Development Analysis |
25% |
| Case Analysis Paper 2 |
Theoretical Cognitive Development & Family Functioning Analysis |
25% |
| Discussion Boards | Six Discussions Throughout The Semester | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and you would like to make a request for reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
It is the policy of the University to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without doing the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|