Contemporary Topics in Developmental Psychology – PSYC 825

Course Description

Exploration of contemporary topics in developmental psychology across the lifespan. Empirical research, current trends, and a special focus on ongoing research in the field will be highlighted.

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

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to current research in Developmental Psychology and to critically examine research in the field by discussing current trends as well as research strengths and limitations. This course will also encourage students to examine current topics in developmental psychology from a biblical worldview. 

Course Assignment

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

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic for each discussion. Discussion threads that answer the question(s) presented must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the initial main post, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250 words. (CLO’s: A, B, C, D)

Research Presentation Assignments (4)

Annotated Bibliographies (3)

In preparation of the Research Presentation: Part 4 - Narrated PowerPoint Assignment, the student will prepare three annotated bibliographies of articles that will be used in their presentation. Each annotated bibliography submission will include a minimum of 7 articles (for a total of 21 articles on their topic). The first annotated bibliography submission will also include a one-sentence description of the topic chosen. This assignment is expected to be in annotated bibliography format and should include 7 journal articles per submission. Please see the instructions for the Annotated Bibliographies in Canvas. (CLO’s: A, B, C, D)

Narrated PowerPoint (1)

For this presentation, the student will prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation on their research topic; included at the start of this presentation is also a 3-minute elevator pitch video. In the PowerPoint presentation, the student will describe the area of research they have researched, evaluate the current state of the research (including areas that need more research), a biblical discussion of the topic, and introduce a proposed study to further the research area. The presentation will include sources cited and referenced in current APA style. The student will also narrate the presentation. Please see the instructions for the Narrated PowerPoint for more information. (CLO’s: A, B, C, D)