Adult Psychology – PSYC 635

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

Advanced study of developmental processes in adulthood. Focus on contemporary research in various domains, such as work, marriage and family, personality, cognition, and physical change. (Crosslisted with MSPS 647)

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

An understanding of adult psychology is critical to the professional practice of psychology, but is also important in any profession, as well as in interpersonal interactions and the gaining of intrapersonal insight. Knowledge of current theory and research in adult psychology and an appreciation for the diversity of adult experience are useful in facilitating awareness of self and others—a vital skill both in the practice of psychology and in one’s personal life. Knowledge of the phases of adult development and scholarly research in adult psychology contributes to an accurate understanding of this phase of life. That knowledge also helps to dispel inaccurate stereotypes and myths about adult development which are often prevalent in the current culture, but are not supported by research.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Course Overview.

Discussions (7)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 200–300 words (except for Discussion: Spiritual Development, in which the discussion thread consists of posting the Reflection Paper) and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 100–150 words. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Research Paper

Planning Assignment

The student will submit 1–2 pages of material discussing a topic and plans for the Research Paper, along with 3 scholarly references he/she plans to use in the paper. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Final Submission Assignment

The student will write a 4–6 page research-based paper in current APA format based on his/her topic of choice from the planning assignment. The paper must include at least 7 scholarly references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible, which are optional. At least 5 of the references must be journal articles. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Reflection Paper Assignment

The student will write a 2–3-page Reflection Paper in current APA format that focuses on the Fowler text. No additional references are required. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Quizzes (6)

Each quiz will cover the Reading & Study material for the assigned Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 multiple-choice questions, and have a 30-minute time limit. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)