Course Detail :

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.

Measurable Learning Outcomes :

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze common theories of adult development.
2. Explain the various stages of adulthood.
3. Apply scholarly research on adult development as well as distinguish scholarly sources of information about adult development from general audience sources.
4. Discuss the relative roles of nature vs. nurture (or genetic vs. environmental influences) on adult development.
5. Identify the vast diversity of background and expertise that exists among adults, as well as the cultural differences that influence adult development.
6. Use knowledge of common experiences, transitions, and crises faced by adults.
7. Integrate a biblical perspective with the scientific study of adult psychology.

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 the Course Overview.

Discussions (7) :

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided promptly 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. (MLOs: 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. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Final Submission Assignment :

The student will write a 4–6 page research-based paper in the 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 journaled articles. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Reflection Paper Assignment :

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

No of Total 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. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)