• Spring 2026
• Graded: Standard Letter
• Prerequisite(s): PSY 1010 
• Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- 
• Registration Restriction(s): None

• eTextbook ISBNs: 9781071955611
• Print ISBNs: 9781071955598

• Describe major biological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur across adulthood and later life using established theories of adult development and aging.
• Compare and contrast key theoretical perspectives on adult development (e.g., lifespan, psychosocial, and socioemotional approaches) and evaluate their strengths and limitations.
• Explain how cultural, socioeconomic, gender, and historical contexts influence aging experiences and developmental outcomes in adulthood.
• Apply research findings on adult development and aging to real-world contexts such as work, relationships, health, caregiving, and community life.
• Critically evaluate empirical research on adulthood and aging, including study design, ethical considerations, and implications for practice and policy.
• Demonstrate awareness of ageism and stereotypes about aging, and articulate strategies to promote dignity, equity, and well-being across the adult lifespan.
  
  

1. Class Rules

• Practice kindness – we never know another person’s story.
• Practice curiosity – stay interested in new ideas and perspectives.
• Practice open-mindedness – think issues through and examine evidence from all sides.
• Practice humility – keep growing and recognize how much we do not yet know.
• Practice teamwork – we are a learning community with a shared goal of learning.
  
  

2. Communication

• Check email, Canvas announcements, and gradebook feedback regularly.
• Announcements are used for reminders, updates, and assignment feedback; checking them is essential.
• Reach out to the instructor when you need help – let your instructor help you.
• Communicate professionally, which supports your college and career success and helps you receive timely responses.

• Subject line: Course Number – Module 01 Assignment
• Greeting: “Hi Dr. X / Instructor X / Professor X,”
• Body: Briefly state what you are writing about.
• Closing: “Thank you!” + your name.
  
  

3. Technical Skills and Requirements

• Use a computer or laptop for course activities. Canvas can be accessed via mobile devices, but some activities may not display or function properly on mobile; switch to a standard computer and browser if you encounter access issues.
• Use word processing and presentation software.
• Keep a personal copy of all submitted work in case resubmission is needed.
• Be able to use Canvas. Helpful resources include:
  • Canvas Student Guide
  • SUU Canvas Student Guide

• Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Phone: (435) 865-8200
• Email: support@suu.edu
  
  

4. Digital Information Literacy & APA Style

• Recognize when information is needed.
• Access and evaluate electronic information.
• Find and use scholarly resources (e.g., literature searching).

• SUU Library
• SUU Library Resources for Distance Students
  
  

• Purdue OWL: General APA Guidelines
• SUU Writing Center
  
  

5. Academic Integrity

• SUU Student Conduct Code – Policy 11.2 (student responsibilities and rights)
• Intellectual Property Policy – Policy 5.52
• Relevant procedures and definitions of acceptable behavior

• Using quotations without quotation marks or without citing the source.
• Using another person’s ideas without acknowledgment.
• Submitting work (or any portion of it) prepared by someone else.
• Paraphrasing another’s work without proper citation.

6. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Plagiarism also includes copying from generative AI tools.
• In this course, all submitted work must be written, developed, created, and/or inspired by you.
• AI use is acceptable only for:
  • Basic grammar and spell checks (similar to Grammarly), and/or
  • APA in-text citation and reference formatting.
• If AI is used for more than what Grammarly can do and/or beyond APA formatting support, it is not appropriate.
• Work created by AI will be treated as plagiarized and a violation of SUU Policy 6.33. This may result in a failing grade and/or disciplinary action through the Dean of Students’ Office.

7. Withdrawal

• For the last day to withdraw, consult the College’s official academic calendar.

8. Active Learning

1. Course Structure and Schedule

• Module 01: Studying Growth and Change Across the Life Span
• Module 02: Biological Aging, Health, and Longevity 
• Module 03: Cognitive Development Across Adulthood
• Module 04: Coping and Resiliency in Adulthood
• Module 05: Personality and Emotion Regulation 
• Module 06: Mental Health and Intervention
• Module 07: Mid-term Exam 
• Module 08: The Social-Environmental Context of Adulthood and Aging
• Module 09: Socialization and the Family
• Module 10: Interpersonal Relationships 
• Module 11: Work & Retirement
• Module 12: Dying & Bereavement 
• Module 13: Aging Well 
• Module 14: Finals

2. Holidays & Breaks

• Short holidays and breaks do not change the structure or schedule of the course.
• Longer holidays and breaks may affect the structure and schedule.
• Always check the course schedule, module pages, and due dates for specifics.

3. Methods of Assessing Learning Progress

• Online discussions and participation
• Assignments
• Quizzes
• Exams
  
  

4. Grading Scale and Policies

• Rubric scores
• Qualitative, personalized feedback

• A: 100% to 94.0%
• A–: <94.0% to 90.0%
• B+: <90.0% to 87.0%
• B: <87.0% to 84.0%
• B–: <84.0% to 80.0%
• C+: <80.0% to 77.0%
• C: <77.0% to 74.0%
• C–: <74.0% to 70.0%
• D+: <70.0% to 67.0%
• D: <67.0% to 64.0%
• D–: <64.0% to 60.0%
• F: <60.0% to 0.0%
  
  

5. Assignment–Point Distribution

• Module 03 – 32 points
• Module 06 – 32 points
• Module 09 – 40 points
• Module 12 – 32 points

• Modules 01, 02, 04, 05, 08, 10, 11, 13 – 20 points each
  
  

• Module 03 – 24 points
• Module 06 – 24 points
• Module 10 – 24 points
• Module 13 – 24 points
  
  

• Module 07 – 60 points
• Module 14 – 60 points
  
  

6. Assignment Types

• Focus on exploration, application, and reflection using videos, articles, or experiential tasks.
• May be written or multimedia.
• Some are individual; some are collaborative group assignments.
• Collaborative group assignments cannot be completed individually and cannot be made up.
  
  

• Each includes an initial post responding to the prompt and reply posts to classmates.
• Posts must reflect understanding of module materials.
• Initial posts should fully address all parts of the prompt.
• Reply posts must be substantive (thoughtful and advancing the discussion). They may:
  • Share relevant personal experiences
  • Ask for clarification
  • Provide additional information or interpretations
  • Offer constructive, content-related feedback
  • Suggest new ways of thinking
  • End with follow-up questions
• Non-substantive posts do not count toward credit, even if they meet the word count.
• Any unkind, rude, or irrelevant posts will not be graded and will not be tolerated.
  
  

• All multiple-choice.
• All quizzes and exams count toward your grade.

• Late submissions follow rubric deductions.
• Posts submitted after the module closes are not accepted.
  
  

• No late submissions accepted.

• No late submissions accepted.

• Automatically includes a 48-hour grace period (no need to request).
• Submissions within the grace period are accepted.
  • If work is submitted after the original due date, Canvas will automatically assign a 0, but the grade will be updated after the instructor grades the work (as long as the work is submitted within the grace period)
• Group assignments (if there are any) cannot be submitted/made up individually after the group has submitted its work.

• Granted only for unexpected, extraordinary circumstances (e.g., hospitalization, death of close family member).
• Not granted for issues like forgetting due dates, travel, work, or social events.
• Requests must be emailed before the due date or within 24 hours for true emergencies.
• Include PDF documentation; do not share sensitive health details.

• Re-dos are not allowed. Partial submissions earn partial credit.

• An Incomplete is granted only if:
  • A majority of coursework has been completed, and
  • There are unforeseen emergencies (e.g., severe health conditions requiring hospitalization, death of a close loved one).
• Documentation may be required.
• Forgetting deadlines, social events, and professional or leisure travel are not acceptable reasons for requesting an Incomplete.
  
  

1. Add points earned so far.
2. Divide by points possible up to that date.