EPS 585 - Advanced Human Growth and Development

This is a Web-based course taught by Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson.

Instructor Contact Information 
Dr. Solmonson Dr. Le'Ann Solmonson, Ph.D., LPC-S, CSC
email: lsolmonson@sfasu.edu
(936) 468-1065

Course Description
This course is an overview of theory and current research concerning the growth and development of individuals over the lifespan. The major intent of the course is to relate theory and research to present concerns of those who work in the helping professions. Theoretical models related to the cognitive, physiological, psychological, and social development of humans throughout the lifespan are applied to present day situations.

Textbook Requirements
Broderick, P.C. & Blewitt, P. (2006). The lifespan: Human development for helping professionals. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN 0131706845

Course Prerequisites
Graduate student, permission of instructor

Course Format and Participation Requirements
Through regular online attendance, lectures, writing projects, exams, discussions, and practice activities, students will gain academic excellence within the subject area with an emphasis on life-long learning and development. As described in this syllabus, EPS 585 follows the mission, vision and core values of the College of Education and Stephen F. Austin State University which is aligned with the counseling curriculum, clinical experiences, and assessments.

On-campus or Face-to-Face Meeting Requirements
NONE

Course Assessment
Grades will be assigned based on the quality of each student’s fulfillment of the following requirements. Rubrics will be provided for all activities in which students receive points.

  1. Participation in online activities (300 points): each student is expected to actively participate and contribute to the learning process within the course (discussion of text/topics, demonstration and experiential activities).
  1. Research Paper and Professional Presentation with Multimedia component (100 points): each student will choose one issue that a counselor might be presented with and develop a case study of a person dealing with that issue. Your goal is to analyze the problem in terms of life-span developmental issues. Use professional resources to discuss this issue as it relates to the person’s development. Include discussions of family, school, health, social, cognitive, emotional, moral, cultural, and spiritual contributing factors. The paper should include a discussion of theoretical frameworks (i.e. theories of Piaget, Erikson, Maslow, etc.) and identify the task(s) to be accomplished for the particular stage. Use three sources (text and three additional sources including two journal articles). Text citations and references should be in appropriate APA format. The paper should be 5-7 pages double-spaced. Title page and references are not included in page count. You will do a presentation of your case in the online forum.
  1. Exams (200 points): each student is responsible for assigned readings in the text. Evaluation will be in the form of 2 exams each worth 100 pts.
  1. Tribute to My Parents (50 points): each student will write a tribute to your parents (or guardian) that describes the legacy that you received from them in terms of teaching, values, opportunities, experiences, family life, wisdom, etc. This paper does not need to imply that everything that you received was positive, but should reflect how you have made sense of your experiences and upbringing. It should take into account the roles they played in your life, what you take from the experiences you had, and how they culminated in who you are today. Maximum length of this paper is two pages, double-spaced.
  1. Introspective Journal Entries (150 points): each student will complete a journal entry related to each stage of development. The entry can be anecdotes, pictures, stories, and/or remembrances of your own development up to this point. Discuss how each entry illustrates your development in terms of any of the theoretical perspectives in our text. These could include things you said, did, thought, felt, as well as any personal crises, accomplishments, or experiences you have had.
  1. Developmental Interview (100 points): each student will conduct an interview with an older person (preferably over 65). This interview will seek to gain information regarding the developmental history of the interviewee. Additional information regarding the assignment will be given in the assignment description.
  1. Service-Learning Assignment and Reflection (100 points): each student will volunteer for 2 hours in a setting in which he/she can interact with and observe a particular developmental group. This could be working with children, youth, or the elderly. After volunteering, you will write a 1-2 page reflection on your experience. Be sure to include information regarding what you observed regarding the developmental stage of the individuals with whom you worked.

Effort Expected
This is a 3-credit-hour course. To be successful in this course you should expect to spend about 3-5 hours a week on readings, assignments, discussions, and other activities. This estimate is for the fall and spring semesters; if the course is offered during the summer course, more time per week will be necessary.

Technical Requirements for the Course
Other than the minimum technical requirements for any course, students will need Microsoft Word , PowerPoint software, Real Player software.

Before the Course Begins

  • Complete the Getting Started area of sfaonline.
  • Register and pay for the course just as you would any other SFA course.
  • As soon as you are registered, please send an email message to the instructor.
  • Carefully read and complete all steps of Getting a myCourses Username and PIN.

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    http://www.oit.sfasu.edu/disted/facsup/f1visa.html

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