Assignments

Comments on plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as "taking and using another person's ideas and/or writing as one's own"  (Oxford American Dictionary).  It may be interpreted as the result of misunderstanding or of cheating.  It's becoming a greater problem as information is so readily available on the internet.  The forms of plagiarism I run into include quoting material from a source without identifying it as a quote and citing it and cutting and pasting material from other sources, as if written by the student.  Sometimes a student will cut and paste an entire paper and pass it off as their own work.  All of these examples are unacceptable.  If I notice that it looks like you include a quote in a paper without acknowledging it, I'll make a note on your paper and ask that you use your own words to explain the concept.  If I find that paragraphs or the entire paper are plagiarized you will receive a failing grade for the assignment.

Late Policy

Do everything you can to turn your work in on time. I have planned the assignments to coincide with the content we are covering in class and they are designed to enhance your understanding of the material. Therefore, if you don't do the assignment when it is due you are not going to get the full benefit of it. If you have an emergency and cannot complete an assignment on time, let me know.  10% will be deducted for late work.

These are the assignments you are responsible for completing this quarter.  You will receive handouts with additional details for the miniature literature review.

1.  Quizzes (30%)  We will have four quizzes during the quarter, Oct. 14th, Nov. 2nd, Nov. 25th and Dec. 16th.  These are short answer and multiple choice. 

2.  Preschool Observation (10%)  We'll be using class time to observe preschoolers in the campus childcare center.  You will have an observation sheet to guide your observations and we will discuss these in class.  Then you'll write responses to the following questions.  Use examples to clearly convey your understanding of the developmental domain and how healthy development was encouraged.  Please use 12 point font, double space and make sure your work is grammatically correct.  Due:  Nov. 4th

        1.  Please describe two observations you made of gross or fine motor movement.  Give an example of how the physical development of the children was promoted.
        2.  Please describe one observation of social skills demonstrated by a child.  Explain how an adult did or could have used reinforcement, modeling or discipline to promote social skill development.
        3.  Please describe one interaction between the adults and children that might contribute to autonomy or shame/doubt.

3.  Case Study  (10%)  Using the story in your reading packet, "Entre Una Roca y Una Pared," apply the cultural identity development models to explain the behavior of Miguel, his brothers and/or Ellen, his wife.  Due:  Nov. 30th.  Include in your analysis:

      1.  An explanation of the general concept of cultural identity development.
2.  Explain four examples from the story that demonstrate the various stages of the White Identity Development model or the Racial/cultural Identity Development model.
3.  Based on your examples above, what stages you think Miguel, Ellen and the brothers are at.
4.  Your thoughts about the concept and relevance of Cultural Identity Development.

4.  Panel Discussion (10% of grade) The panel discussion assignments (there are two) give you the opportunity to participate as a panel member, reflecting on and sharing aspects of your own developmental experience, or to observe the panel, linking what you are hearing to concepts from the text or discussed in class.  Due:  Nov. 16th and Dec. 14th.  Here's how it works.

Panel Participants:  You will review specific concepts from the text, reflect on how these relate to your experience and write 1-2 pages summarizing this.  You will then participate on the panel, first sharing the relevance of the concepts in your life and then responding to questions from the audience to the extent you are comfortable doing so. 

Panel Observers:  You will review specific concepts from the text, reflect on how these relate to your experience and write 1-2 pages summarizing this.  You will then observe the panel, ask questions if you'd like and write an additional 1-2 pages comparing your classmates' experiences with the text book analysis of the concepts.

Grading criteria for panel discussion, observation and case study

5.  Miniature Literature Review (30% of grade) A mini-literature review involves choosing a topic of interest to you and locating peer reviewed journal articles on the topic.  After reading the articles you will write a paper explaining the topic, the findings and proposed future research.  A detailed handout will be provided to you.  Due:  Dec. 9th

6.  Exit Notes and Participation  (10% of grade) At the end of each class session I'll give you a question related to the topics and activities of that day's session.  You'll write an answer on the spot and receive credit for completing it...these aren't graded.