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Psychology 340: The Psychology of Thinking & Learning In Children
Instructor:
Professor
D. Greenfield
Flipse
Bldg. Rm. 340
284-3255 Ext. 0 Email:
dgreenfield@miami.edu
Web
page: http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/dgreenfield/
Text: Bjorklund, D. (2005). Children’s Thinking: Cognitive Development and Individual Differences, (4th Edition), New York: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
Course Description: This course deals with the development of cognitive abilities from infancy through adolescence. Our readings and class discussions will provide a description of cognitive development across this age span. In addition, we will explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this development. Course content will focus on: (1) The major theoretical perspectives for understanding the development of cognitive processes from infancy through adolescence; (2) Methods for studying cognitive processes across this age span; (3) A description of cognitive development during each major age span; (4) An understanding of the components of cognitive development that are universal to all infants and children; and (5) the sources of individual differences in cognitive development.
Exams: Four exams including final. Exams are multiple choice. Exams emphasize conceptual understanding of the material and not memorization of facts. You are responsible for material covered in class and material covered in the text, regardless of whether or not this material was covered in class. The first three exams (in class) are not cumulative. Each exam accounts for 25% of your final grade. The final exam covers the last section of the course as well as integrative material resulting from your understanding of general principles emphasized throughout the course (such as the issues discussed above in the course description). The final exam accounts also for 25% of your final grade. NO MAKE-UP EXAMS ARE GIVEN.
Class Attendance: Class attendance will not be taken. However, regular attendance is essential for understanding course material and doing well on the exams. Material presented in class is usually not redundant with material in your text.
Honor Code: The Department of Psychology requires that all students follow the University of Miami Honor Code. Academic dishonesty can be reason for failure in a course. The Honor Code Pledge, "On my honor, I have neither given or received any aid on this exam," will be signed as part of each exam.
Course Outline and Reading Assignments: Students will profit most from class interactions if they have read the text assignment in advance. This means that you should come to class on Monday already having read the material assigned for the upcoming week.
