Undergraduate Programs

BCSC 170: Syllabus

Fall 2025

Time & Location

Tuesday & Thursday (2:00 to 3:15)
Hoyt Hall Room 104

Personnel

Instructor: Professor Karl Rosengren
Office Hours: Thursday 12:45 to 1:45 and by appointment

Instructor: Professor Daniel Mruzek
Office Hours: Thursday 10:00 am to noon and by appointment

Graduate TA: Ellen Kneeskern
498 Meliora Hall
Email: ellen.kneeskern@rochester.edu
Office Hours: Thursday 12:30 to 1:30 and by appointment

Graduate TA: Candelas Distefano
Office Hours: 1 to 2 Tuesdays and by appointment

Graduate TA: Jingyi Yuan
Office hours: Wednesday 4 to 5 and by appointment

Undergraduate TAs:
Duaa Alkarawi
Allisandra Fioro
Grace Lindsay
Elli Ray

Course Description & Goals

The focus of this course is human psychological development from infancy through adolescence. We will examine the development of perception, cognition, language, personality, and social relationships. Throughout the class we will examine different theoretical perspectives and methods in developmental research. We will also explore specific issues, including: How do young infants perceive the world? How do infants and toddlers develop an attachment to their parents or caretakers? Why are some children good at making friends, and why do others feel lonely or isolated? How do parents' beliefs and values influence children's development and school achievement? How do parents' discipline style influence children's social and personality development? As each new topic is introduced, students will be encouraged to think critically about the assumptions and methods that underlie research on particular issues. A central goal will be to help students develop an appreciation of different criteria for evaluating research and other forms of evidence.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency regarding the terminology and concepts involved in child development
• Understand key issues related to child development
• Know how to obtain research articles relevant to child development via online databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar), and concisely synthesize this research in support of a particular argument or thesis
• Effectively communicate the results of your own psychological research by writing clear, persuasive, appropriately formatted APA-style position reports
• Critically evaluate research results

Required Readings

Siegler, R., Saffran, J., & Gershoff, E. (2024). How Children Develop. 7th Edition. Worth Publishers.
We highly recommend renting the eBook or buying the Paperback versions

Course Requirements and Grading

Your grade will be based on:

• Pretest 2%
• Exam 1 15%
• Exam 2 15%
• Final Exam 28%
• Class Assignments (10) 10%
• Position Papers (3) 30%

Overall Grading Scale

Exams

There will be three exams. The format of these exams may vary, but will likely primarily be in class, multiple-choice questions. The Final Exam will cover material from the entire class and will take place during the assigned time during the Final Exam Period.

Exam 1: Thursday 10/9 (in class)
Exam 2: Tuesday 11/25 (in class)
Exam 3: Monday 12/15 - 12:30 to 3:30 in our regular classroom

Position Papers

You are required to complete THREE position papers over the course of the semester (175 to 200 words; 10 points per position paper). See Position Paper Topics & Requirements document for more details.

Class Assignments

There will be TEN class assignments that will given out in class that you will complete during class time. At the end of class you will need to hand in the assignment to one of the teaching assistants. You must be in class when these are given; no make ups will be possible.

Extra-Credit

Extra credit opportunities will be available through out the semester. These will be announced in class.

IMPORTANT CLASS POLICIES

Communication

Check your email daily, as the Instructor may use it to contact you regarding class updates, syllabus changes, etc. When contacting the Instructor or Teaching Assistant via email, please include “PSYC 170” in the subject line and use proper email etiquette. The Instructor is happy to answer any and all questions you may have, but cannot guarantee an immediate reply to every email.

Respectful Class Conduct

Please be respectful of the Instructor and your classmates during class meetings. Please silence your cell phones while in the classroom. Laptops, tablets, etc. are permitted for taking notes, but please refrain from all other types of usage during class (e.g., texting, checking email, playing games). The Instructor reserves the right to ban all devices from class if they become too disruptive.

Laptop Policy

We understand that many scholars prefer to take notes on their laptops during class. However, we have found that the use of laptops in class can be distracting for other class members, as well as the scholar using the laptop. Laptop use often takes away from active participation in class – especially with respect to class discussions. If we find that members of the class are using their laptops inappropriately (e.g., email, online shopping, online poker, videogaming) we will restrict the use of laptops in class.

Missed Class

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make up the material that was covered by completing the assigned readings, reviewing any materials posted on Blackboard, and getting notes from a classmate. You are encouraged to attend office hours to have specific questions answered about the material.

Late Papers

No late papers will be accepted. When absences can be anticipated (e.g., University sponsored activities, religious observations), you must inform the Instructor in advance, and with as much notice as possible, in order to make alternative arrangements. For unanticipated events, the Instructor should be notified as soon as possible. Accommodations for extensions due to extenuating circumstances will be made based on Instructor discretion.