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:
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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”.
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Describe current knowledge of neurological and cognitive development and functioning over the life-span;
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Describe theories of identity development which explain gender, cultural, spiritual, family, and psychosocial development over the life-span;
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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
Assignments should be turned in when they are due, electronically on Canvas by the stated time. Discussions post will not be accepted after the closed date. Late submissions for quizzes will be reduced by 10% for each day they are late and will not be accepted at all after 3 days. Extensions are granted only in emergencies and on a case-by-case basis. Extensions must be arranged in advance and will not be granted after the due date has passed. Communicating your needs in a manner suitable for the workplace is also a part of the professionalism competency.
Course Components
Case Analysis Quizzes
The case analysis assignment will include two quizzes based on a case study that are due throughout the semester at times indicated on the course Canvas site and the course schedule. These quizzes assess 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 | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Case Analysis 1 | 25% |
| Case Analysis 2 | 25% |
| Discussion Boards | 50% |
| 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.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|