*ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH xxx*

Assignment	Points
Reading Responses	44
Theory and Media Analysis Paper/Video	15
Developmental Stage Self-Reflection Paper/Video	15
Journal Article Review Paper and Presentation	15
Class Participation	11
Extra Credit	5
Total	105

Reading Response [11 out of 13, 4% each= 44%]: Students are expected to submit a short written response (1 paragraph) about TWO out of the total weekly assigned reading materials. The response can consist of questions, critiques, general comments, or impressions you had about the readings. The purpose of this assignment is to encourage students to critically reflect on the readings and promote class participation by giving students space to come to class prepared. The reading reaction must demonstrate that you actually read the article and spent time thinking about it! A good reaction analyzes the points the author is making and thinks of implications or critiques.  A poor reaction is simply saying “this article was really interesting.”  Students will not receive credit for reading responses that simply summarize the article. No late reactions will be accepted for grade. You have the option to opt-out of 2 reading responses. Just make sure to indicate “opt out” in the assignment entry. Reading Responses are due by 9:30 am the day the assignment is listed on the syllabus through blackboard. *Readings outlined in the syllabus are subject to change depending on how we progress throughout the course and students’ interest.

Theory and Media Analysis Paper/Video [15%]: The purpose of the media analysis activity is to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of the course content to analyze media messages of a medium of the student’s choosing (e.g. music, television, social media, youtube). Students will choose a specific media product (e.g. a song, movie, video, image, news article, hashtag results, etc) and use the course readings to explain how the concepts we discussed in class are represented in the media. The assignment can be submitted as a paper (500-700 words) or a 5-10 video. You must integrate at least 4 of the course theoretical readings (weeks 1-5)

Developmental Stage Self-Reflection Paper/Video [15%]: The purpose of the self-reflection activity is for students to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and issues presented in this course. This assignment is an opportunity to reflect upon the work students have done throughout the weeks and explore how their own childhood experiences are reflected in the research we discuss.  Although this activity is an exercise on students’ experiences, students are NOT required to disclose any personal or sensitive information they are not comfortable sharing. Students can focus on a childhood experience and how it connects to statements from the readings. The assignment can be submitted as a paper (500-700 words) or a 5-10 video. You must integrate at least 4 of the course readings from the developmental stages assigned readings (weeks 6-12).

Class Participation: [11%] Each student is encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas about the class materials during the class discussions and video sessions. Attendance is required for the synchronous class discussions, but the video sessions can be done asynchronously. Students who attend the video sessions and comment will be given credit for participation, while students who do not attend will have to answer a set of questions based on the video by posting on SLACK in order to get credit for participation. Students are welcomed (but not required) to bring in additional images, media, readings to contribute to the discussion.

Journal Article Review Paper and Presentation [15%]: As your final assignment, students will review ONE peer-reviewed journal article of their choosing focusing on child psychology. Students are expected to critically critique [1] how well the article explains prior research in the introduction and if the design of the research study is appropriate for the research question (5 points), [2] how the findings fit within the course material examined in the class (5 points), [3] and additional limitations or future directions the author could have included in the paper (5 points). Students may choose which article they want to review, but it must be approved by the instructor. Students will discuss the selection of a peer-reviewed journal article and the critique process with the instructor during individual/group meetings or by email. Each student will conduct a 5-minute presentation on their research papers. Students can use any media platform (e.g. Powerpoint slide presentation, poster presentation, etc) they would like for this presentation. (This is your chance to be creative!) The paper will now be extra credit and should be no more than 500 words.

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Extra Credit Opportunities [5%]

The goal of the extra credit assignments is to show your understanding of the course materials by using ONE of the following options and writing a one to two-page paper about it:

• Observation: Students will conduct a natural observation of a child accompanied by a commentary. The observation will occur in a natural setting, with minimal interference by the observer, and consist of a detailed account of the child’s behavior, interpersonal interactions and emotional expressions within a 5-minute span. Describe the subject, setting and the context in which the observation takes place (i.e., where? is the location private or public? Are people around? Are these people familiar or unfamiliar to child?  What is the child doing? How does the child feel? How do others respond to child? How does the child respond to others? The commentary will reflect on at least 2 course theories or research readings covered in class and will be an attempt to explain the underlying processes of the child’s behavior and affect observed. You are encouraged to integrate multiple perspectives (i.e., biological, cognitive, emotional, social, cultural) in drawing your conclusions. This commentary will serve to convey your hypothesis about the child’s development thus far, given the information obtained in the observation.

• Toy: Imagine you are invited to a birthday party for a child and have to bring a present.  What toy would you bring to the child? Your choice must be developmentally appropriate and backed up by the scientific research. In order to do this, you must discuss at least 2 course readings that support your choice of toy. Your job is to explain what the evidence is based, and how this toy reflects the scientific evidence reviewed during our class discussions. 

• Policy: Evaluate a child development policy (e.g. Head Start) for strengths and weaknesses based on our discussions and readings. How does the policy impact the daily lives of children? What are the long-term implications of this policy? What changes would you make to the policy? Use at least 2 course readings to support your argument.

• Meme: Create a meme illustrating one of the concepts in class and write a summary explaining the components of the meme and how it reflects what we have learned in class. Use at least 2 course readings to support your argument.

• Other: I am open to other creative assignments that can serve the same purpose of the listed assignments. If you have an idea for an extra credit assignment it must be approved by me prior to submitting it as an extra credit assignment.

Grading Scale

A+	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
99-100	93-98	90-92	87-89	83-86	80-82	77-79	73-76	70-72	66-69	60-65	0-59