PSYC 3758 A01: Lifespan Development

PSYC 3758 - Lifespan Development

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 41684,

Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Jaelyn Farris

Email: jrfarris@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Dr. Farris

Instructor Professional Qualifications:

  • Ph.D., Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 2007
  • M.A., Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 2005
  • M.S.Ed., Community Counseling, Youngstown State University, 2000
  • B.S., Psychology, Allegheny College, 1998

Instructor Office Location: Department of Psychological Sciences and Counseling, 4101 Beeghly Hall

Instructor Office Phone: 330-941-3257

Private Instructor Information

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Course Description

3758. Lifespan Development. Study of theory and research on development from conception to death. Focus upon psychological, physiological, social and cultural influences. May not be taken for credit if the student has received credit for two or more of PSYC 3755, PSYC 3756, PSYC 3757. Prereq.: PSYC 1560. 3 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Essentials of Life-Span Development John W. Santrock 9781266609145

Notes About Your Textbook

  1. We will use Connect/SmartBook 2.0 (which may sometimes be referred to as LearnSmart or Connect) in this course. Your electronic textbook will be available in Blackboard upon your enrollment via the first-day ready program (i.e., you will be granted access to the SmartBook automatically). 
  2. To access the e-book, log in to our course’s Blackboard site and click on one of the SmartBook assignments. If you have any trouble accessing the SmartBook in this manner, contact McGraw-Hill tech support (https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs). Email your professor right away if they are unable to resolve the problem.
  3. Students may choose to add a looseleaf copy of the text through McGraw-Hill/Connect if they would like to have a hard copy during the semester or keep a copy of the textbook for future reference. This can be purchased anytime throughout the semester but is not required. If you choose to purchase the looseleaf text and have questions on how to do so, contact McGraw-Hill tech support (https://mhedu.force.com/CXG/s/ContactUs).

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Additional Course Materials

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Course and Program Learning Objectives

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Course Schedule

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Getting Started Module (8 points)

Module 1: Key Issues in Human Development (10 points)
Getting Started Module is Due on Day 4 (August 27, 2026):
Quiz 1 (Getting Started Module)
Quiz 2 (Getting Started Module)
Quiz 3 (Getting Started Module)
Discussion Board 1 (Getting Started Module)
Discussion Board 2 (Getting Started Module)
How to Use SmartBook 2.0 (Getting Started Module)

Module 1 is Due on Day 5 (August 28, 2026):
Discussion Board 3 (Module 1)
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 1 (Module 1)
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 2 (Module 1)
Review of Key Concepts Assignment (Module 1)
8/31 Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 7
Chapter 9
Module 2: Physical and Cognitive Development from Infancy through Adolescence (12 points) Module 2 is Due on Day 14 (September 6, 2026):
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 3
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 5
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 7
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 9
9/7 Chapter 11
Chapter 13
Chapter 15
Module 3: Physical and Cognitive Development from Early Adulthood through Old Age (21 points) Due on Day 21 (September 13, 2026):
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 11
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 13
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 15
Review of Key Concepts Assignment: Physical and Cognitive Development
Exam 1 (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, & 15)
9/14 Chapter 4
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
Module 4: Socioemotional Development from Infancy through Adolescence (12 points) Due on Day 28 (September 20, 2026):
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 4
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 6
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 8
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 10
9/21 Chapter 12
Chapter 14
Chapter 16
Module 5: Socioemotional Development from Early Adulthood through Old Age (13 points) Due on Day 35 (September 27, 2026):
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 12
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 14
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 16
Review of Key Concepts Assignment: Socioemotional Development
Discussion Board 4: Successful Aging
9/28 Chapter 17 Module 6: End-of-Life Issues (15 points) Due on Day 42 (October 4, 2026)
SmartBook Homework: Chapter 17
Discussion Board 5: Life That Doesn't End With Death
Exam 2 (Chapters 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, & 17)
10/5 No Readings This Week Module 7: End-of-Term Activities and Assignments (9 points) Due on Day 49 (October 11, 2026):
Discussion Board 6: Secrets of Success
Lifespan Development Assignment
Discussion Board 7: End-of-Term Reflection

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning. 

Additional Course Policies

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