MAC 500 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

HYBRID COURSE DESIGN

Fall 2019

(3 credit hours course) Instructor: Leslie Cogorno MA

Phone: 484-347-2325

Email: leslielabbek85@gmail.com

Contacting the professor:

● Email is my preferred way of communication. I typically answer within 24 hours of receipt, except

when received on Saturdays and Sundays. Then email is answered on Mondays.

● To schedule virtual, phone, or in office appointments with the professor, email your desired day and

time at least 24 hours in advance.

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF COUNSELING PROGRAM PURPOSE

In an effort to equip students to provide wise counsel for hurting people, along with a hope for lasting change,

our seminary-based counseling program exists to prepare professional counselors for professional and non-

professional ministry, who love people in all their God-given diversity, who engage science and culture with

wisdom and discernment, and who skillfully apply the grace and truth of the Gospel first to their own lives

and then to their counselees.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this course is to better understand the nature of human growth and development across the

lifespan. The course content addresses the essential concepts and issues related to each developmental stage,

the major theories of human development, along with implications for counselors related to cross-cultural

counseling issues, best practices, and key counseling pointers.

The course provides the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical knowledge base related to the physical,

cognitive, social, and emotional development from birth of the individual to older adulthood and includes end

of life issues such as death, dying, generativity, and bereavement. The concept of intersectionality (multiple

dimensions of human identity) is infused throughout this course and is intended to deepen the horizontal and

vertical components of human growth and development and counseling practice with diverse populations.

This course also examines and discusses key issues related to an individual’s spiritual and moral

development. Special attention will be given to identifying developmentally specific challenges and how to

address them from a Christian perspective. Each student will engage in a personal exploration project.

PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE PROFESSOR

I am looking forward to meeting you all and spending time learning about how people grow cognitively,

physically, and spiritually. As I think of Human Growth and Development I can almost envision an individual

walking through all the ages of life while I heard Psalms 23 saying, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He refreshes my soul. He guides me

along the right aths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for

you are with me; you rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my

enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all

the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

HYBRID COURSE FORMAT

This hybrid course at Missio Seminary meets at our new location (421 N. 7th Street) one night per week. It

also has required instructional hours between classes during some or all of the weeks of the course. These

instructional hours are done in addition to homework. The instructional hours vary in design: recorded

lectures, text-based lectures with study questions, collaborative work, guided discussions, and more.

Occasionally the instructional hours will require synchronous (real time) attendance via web conferencing.

All required instructional hours outside of class time are listed in this syllabus.

ONLINE PARTICIPATION STANDARDS IN HYBRID COURSES

Attendance in this hybrid course constitutes both 1) coming to class and 2) logging in to the course site and

participating in the online activities assigned throughout the course. Students are “present” in the online part

of a hybrid course when they “show up” on the E-campus course site. Students should login regularly,

especially during the discussion forums. Student usage of the course site is tracked by the E-campus software

and monitored by the professor of the course. Students who need to be absent from the course site for three

or more days during a discussion forum activity or required web conference should email the professor in

advance of the absence (see Attendance Policy and Grades in this syllabus). Students should practice

netiquette at all times – in email and in discussion forums. Please review the netiquette and discussion forum

guidelines in this syllabus. Students may email the instructor at any time if they have questions about the

course.

Missio recognizes the need for computer use throughout the entire educational process today. Computers

equipped with Internet access and applications that help deliver information and knowledge are vital. Students

are encouraged to bring their electronic computing devices to campus to facilitate their course work and

supplemental activities. Given the current climate of online dangers such as viruses, malware, phishing scams,

and other related risks it is critical to secure all such devices regardless if they're being used on campus or

not. Please take the appropriate steps to safeguard the security of your own electronic devices to protect the

integrity of the student network on campus and provide a safe computing environment for everyone to

use. Contact the Academic Office if you have any questions about this statement.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (2016). Human development across the lifespan: Applications for counselors (1st

ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

(Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan: Applications for Counselors)

Lane, T, & Tripp, T. (2010) How People Change Workbook. New Growth Press

OPTIONAL TEXT

Balswick, J.O., King, P.E., & Reimer, K.S. (2005). The Reciprocating self: Human development in theological

perspective. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

SYLLABUS AND WEEKLY OUTLINES

This syllabus provides an overview of the course and course requirements. Students are responsible to know

and follow it. Questions about the syllabus should be emailed to the professor promptly and will generally be

answered in an email to the entire class so that everyone is informed. Weekly outlines, which detail what

needs to be accomplished during each week of the course, are included in this syllabus.

PROGRAM GOALS AND COURSE OBJECTIVES

PROGRAM GOALS COURSE OBJECTIVES

Live grace-based lives increasingly

characterized by wisdom, the fruit of

the Spirit, and love for God and

community

1. Increase awareness of desired development as a person

and a counselor.

2. Process one’s own personal development, especially as it

relates to historical and cultural issues.

Demonstrate a commitment to

humble, learning-oriented ministry in

a world marked by cultural,

theological, and philosophical

diversity

3. Develop an advanced understanding of the major

developmental theories of counseling including the

interaction of nature, nurture and personal efficacy.

Demonstrate effective counseling

skills in light of student’s gifting, call,

and context

4. Formulate a coherent Biblical Framework for the nature of

persons, problems, and means of personal growth and

change – both theoretically and personally.

COURSE INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS

Instructional hours are instructor-led activities that students complete in addition to homework. They may

consist of a variety of activities from live and/or recorded lectures, web conferences to collaborative work or

discussions based on readings.

INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS RELATED

OBJECTIVES

ESTIMATED

TIME IN

HOURS

1. Classroom sessions 1-5 25

2. Faculty-led discussion forums 1-5 8

3. Faculty constructed study guides 1-5 10

Total instructional hours 43 hours

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS

ASSIGNMENT OR ASSESSMENT PERCENTAGE

OF GRADE

POINTS DUE DATE

1. Attendance in all classes and active participation in

discussions

10%

6 Classes (100

points)

Various

2. 4 Discussion forum postings and responses related to

the reading or material posted online

20%

10 points each

Nov 10

Nov 17

Nov 24

Dec 01

3. 2 one-page article reviews 15%

100 points each Nov 04

Nov 18

4. Completion of Tripp readings and paper plus

discussion leaders

20% 100

Various

5. Creative Counseling Project 20% 20 Dec 02

6. 10-20 minute oral summary based on Creative

Project

10% 3

Nov 09

7. Final exam 5% Dec 09

Total estimated time for the above assignments.

*time counted as part of instructor-led class time

80 hours for a

three credit

course.

Final exams are not calculated as part of the course hours, per the education code of

Pennsylvania.

EXPECTATIONS AND RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS:

Netiquette

1. Be respectful of others’ ideas, opinions, and beliefs. It’s fine to disagree with someone, but respect his or

her right to think differently.

2. Maintain the privacy of the participants. Comments made during electronic discussions are confidential

and are shared only with those participating in the course.

3. It is considered rude to forward someone else’s message without permission, so always ask first.

4. Be professional about online interactions; check grammar, spelling, and intended meaning.

5. Avoid using all caps. IT SEEMS LIKE SHOUTING!

6. Use emoticons sparingly to convey your intended emotion. Electronic conversation is “flat” and can be

easily misunderstood. Use humor carefully, for example, because in the absence of facial cues, it can be

interpreted as criticism or antagonism.

7. Flaming is not permitted. Flaming is inflammatory communication which is angry, critical, antagonistic,

and attacking. Flaming alienates and injures other people rather than builds a learning community.

8. Check the discussion forum frequently and contribute your thoughts and experiences. The goal is to

create and maintain an active, stimulating discussion that everyone can enjoy and learn from.

Quality Discussion Posts

1. Post your initial message as early in the week as possible so your classmates will have time to read it

before the due date. Later in the week, post additional messages that respond to other posts and/or

contribute new insights.

2. Keep your messages concise and clearly written. Focus on one idea per message and use pertinent

subject titles.

3. It is considered courteous to alert readers at the beginning of the message if it is a lengthy message.

4. Cite all quotes, references, and sources.

5. State your main point at the beginning of the message.

6. Use short sentences and use numbered lists, bullet points, or other techniques to help readers “see” ideas.

7. Post substantive contributions* to the discussion instead of “I agree” or “I disagree” or other short

responses.

*The definition of “substantive posts” is:

▪ opinions and insights that can be backed up with sources from your readings

▪ messages that advance the understanding and application of ideas in one or more of the following

ways:

Reflection about meaning

*raising questions for clarification or discussion

*describing what something means or new insights it provides

Analysis

*analyzing relevant themes, concepts, main ideas

*discussing relationships among ideas

*identifying hidden assumptions or fallacies

Elaboration

*building on the ideas of others

*adding a different viewpoint from the reading or other source

Application

*providing examples of how principles or concepts can be applied

*discussing the implications of theory for practice

Synthesis

*integrating multiple views to provide a summary, a new perspective, or a

creative refashioning of ideas

Evaluation

*assessing the accuracy, reasonableness, or quality of ideas

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION AND GRADING

1. Attendance/Professionalism/Participation: will account for 10% of every course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

GSOC students are training to be professional helpers responsible for the welfare of clients in need.

MISSIO believes attendance in counseling courses is required to evaluate the readiness and preparedness

of each student to enter the profession. Attendance, participation and overall professionalism constitute

10% of your final grade. Attendance means arrive for class on time and staying for the duration of the

class. Participation means preparing for class by reading required texts/materials and periodically

entering into class discussion. Professionalism means respectful interactions with colleagues and

professors both in the class and online. Should you need to miss a class for any reason, please email

your professor ASAP, including planned absences and illness.

A student who misses 1 class in a semester will lose ½ of the attendance points.

A student who misses 2 classes will lose all attendance points.

A student who misses 3 or more classes may be subject to possible action by the instructor which

may include a recommendation to withdraw from the class.

2. Reading/ Discussion Boards: Each week, you will have required readings to complete prior to class.

At the end of the course, you will be asked to declare what percentage of the reading you have completed.

In addition, you will discuss these readings using the discussion forum for the class. I will post a

question(s) to prime the pump and will expect you to make at least 1 original post by each Friday at

midnight and at least 1 response to another classmate by Sunday midnight. Anything submitted after

Sunday, midnight will receive no credit. A solid original post contains clear content from the reading as

well as your thoughtful interaction (this may be personal, professional, etc.) with the material. Original

posts should be approximately 300 words. Posts that are merely opinion or pose more questions do not

show evidence of thoughtful interaction and will not be considered an original post. This does not mean

you cannot give your opinion or ask questions, but do so above and beyond your original posts. Your

response posts should show thoughtful interaction with another student’s thinking. You may want to

extend their thoughts, offer additional illustrations of, or question a particular line of thinking. These

posts should be approximately 150 words and should not be merely questions of clarification or blanket

agreement/disagreement. As always, all postings should exemplify the fruit of the Spirit. Disagreements

are welcome (even of the professors) but should be constructive rather than attacking. Discussion boards

can be notorious for encouraging misunderstanding so you should make every effort to avoid harsh

language and to give others the benefit of the doubt.

3. Article Response Papers: For both of the articles, you will be required to submit a 1-page, single-

spaced response paper. The first paragraph should provide a brief summary of the article with the

remainder of the page devoted to your critique. These will hopefully become permanent files for you so

carefully decide what you want to record and reflect on for each reading.

4. Self-Counseling Project and Workbook: You will be using the How People Change workbook as an

example of one way to think biblically about how people grow and change. This is a discipleship tool

meant to get you thinking about how the “heat” of life (e.g., history, relationships, developmental issues,

stressors) helps to elicit a set of response patterns in your life as well as others. Please carefully and

prayerfully read each chapter, leaving time to meditate on biblical passages and personal application.

Obviously a self-counseling project is a private matter. Rest assured that the material you submit as part

of this project will be held in the strictest confidence unless you or others’ personal safety is at stake. You

will be journaling regularly and these entries will not be turned in. However, the assignment for this book

will be divided into two parts. Part 1: You will pick a chapter from this book and come up with 2-3

questions that will prompt conversation and discussion amongst your peers. You will be required to hand

in your questions with your own personal answers. You must carry conversation for at least 5 minutes.

You will be graded on the questions as well as the quality of conversation. Part 2: You will write a 1-2

page summary of your experience with this book.

5. Creative Counseling Project: For this project I am going to allow you to envision yourself as a

graduated counselor who is working with the population you would love to work with. I want you to

choose an age group (early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle

adulthood, late adulthood or end of life). You will prepare age appropriate therapeutic material or

psychoeducational material you would use for an individual session or a group. Use this opportunity to

be creative. There will be a two parts for this project. Part 1: Write an 8-10 page paper where you will

write about the age group you have chosen. You will write about the physical, cognitive and spiritual and

moral development of this age group (including developmental theories). You will come up with a

presenting problem (Feel free to be creative and make up a scenario based on the information you have

learned from your readings). Then, you will find at least two or more articles in order to support the

materials, strategies, therapeutic techniques, and school of thought you have chosen to create your

therapeutic session. I want you to explain why you chose the material, strategies, and therapeutic

techniques and how you are going to implement this. Towards the end of your paper I want you to add a

reaction to the feedback you received from your peers. How did you feel with their ideas or constructive

criticism. Part 2: You will prepare a 10-20 minute presentation explaining your presenting problem and

why and how you will carry out the session. No powerpoint necessary. You can bring the materials

(colors, sandbox, flyers, games or handouts) so you can show your peers. At the end, I want you to come

up with a question or two for your peers about your project. Remember! A huge part of being a great

counselor is supervision and consultation in order to ensure that clients are being competently served.

Also, supervision ensures you as counselor grow in skills and increase your treatment effectiveness.

Make sure to add your reaction to the feedback you will receive into your paper.

6. Final Exam: Your final exam will be multiple choice and will be done in two parts. Part 1: You will

take an individual exam. You will have an hour to complete. Part 2: you will take an exam similar, but

slightly different as a group of 4 or 5 depending on class size. You will discuss with your peers and

answer to your best knowledge. I will pick the best grade out of the two for your final grade.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AND ACADEMIC POLICIES

1. Academic Policies: Students are fully responsible to know and follow all seminary rules, regulations, and

deadlines published in Missio Seminary’s Student Handbook, and all requirements concerning their degree

programs.

2. Course Syllabus: Students are fully responsible to know and fulfill the requirements stated in the course

syllabus. Students should email the professor about issues related to course work and deadlines during the

course. See “Completion of Course Work” below for policies on course extensions.

3. E-campus Course Site: Students are fully responsible for course content and materials that are posted on

the course site. Students are encouraged to check the course site frequently during the course. Student usage

of the course site is tracked by the software and monitored by the professor of the course. Students who

experience difficulty accessing or using the E-campus should email helpdesk@missio.edu and include their

student ID# in their correspondence.

4. Academic and General Integrity: As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to integrity and Christ-

likeness in all areas of life. What this means in the academic realm is that the completion of all assignments

and assessments are to reflect your own work. Students found guilty of cheating or plagiarism will receive a

grade of zero on the assessment and will follow the process outlined in the Student Handbook. See Missio’s

Student Handbook for more information on plagiarism and Missio’s policies related to cheating and

plagiarism.

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND GRADES

As mentioned earlier (Online Participation Standards, p. 1) students are expected to log in to the course site

regularly and participate in the course activities in a timely manner. If you know you are going to be absent

from the course site for more than three or four days, email the instructor and group members (if applicable)

in advance. Nevertheless, your grade may be lowered for absences at the discretion of the instructor.

Students missing more than 2 in-person classes in this course will need to submit a written request to

the MAC committee in order to be permitted to continue in the course.

COMPLETION OF COURSE WORK

All course work is to be completed by the last day of classes for the term or by the date posted in the course

syllabus. Extensions to this time limit will be made only by the academic affairs committee. The individual

faculty member does not have the authority to grant any extensions of time beyond the last class of the term.

Requests for extensions must be made in writing to the committee at least one week prior to the last day of

classes. Variance forms for this purpose are available in the academic office or on Missio’s website. All

requests should specify the reasons for the extension and the length of the extension desired. Requests are

not automatically granted.

STUDENT COURSE EVALUATIONS

Student course evaluations are an important part of Missio’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Students are required to complete the course evaluation within one week of the final due date of the course.

See Missio’s Student Handbook and program supplement for your program (if applicable) for more

information.

RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY

The impact of cultural issues will be discussed and analyzed. Collaborative learning and social negotiation

with culturally diverse class members will be practiced. Graduate students are expected to conduct

themselves in accordance with grace and the double love imperative (Mat 22:34-40). Additionally, mercy

ministry is a vital part of the church’s mission, and justice is an essential category for the church’s theological

agenda. Through this course, I hope for us to grow in both our understanding and our praxis of these

important, and urgent, matters for the church.

Additionally, it is the intent of the professor to present material and activities that are respectful of diversity.

It is my intent that students from all perspectives and diverse backgrounds will be well-served by this course,

that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring

to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. Your suggestions about how to improve the value

of diversity in this course are encouraged and appreciated.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the civil rights guarantee for persons with disabilities in

the United States. It provides protection from discrimination for individuals on the basis of disability. The

ADA extends civil rights protections for people with disabilities to employment in the public and private

sectors, transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and local government, and

telecommunication relay services.

Students with disabilities:

Reserve the right to decide when to self-identify and when to request accommodations.

Will register with the Office of Admissions to receive accommodations

Will present the Accommodations Request Form to Faculty Mentor(s) when requesting

accommodations.

Might be required to communicate with Professor for accommodations.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations are encouraged to contact Missio

Seminary’s Offices of Admissions or Academic Programs. Students are encouraged to contact the office as

soon as possible to better ensure a timely review of their request.

GRADING SYSTEM

To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain the grade point average designated for his or

her program (see Missio’s Student Handbook for details).

BIBLICAL SEMINARY GRADING SYSTEM

A 4.00 96.0 -100 Superior

A- 3.67 94.0 – 95.9

B+ 3.33 92.0 – 93.9

B 3.00 88.0 – 91.9 Good

B- 2.67 86.0 – 87.9

C+ 2.33 84.0 – 85.9

C 2.00 80.0 – 83.9 Fair

C- 1.70 78.0 – 79.9

D+ 1.30 76.0 – 77.9 Poor

D 1.00 72.0 – 75.9

D- .70 70.0 – 71.9

F 0.00 00. - 69.9 Failing

COURSE TOPICS. (The schedule for course topics will need to be adjusted depending on the

department/School of Counseling or counselor education course timeline [i.e., semester, quarter, summer] of

each department/School of Social Work.)

COURSE SCHEDULE

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

DATE IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS DUE

OCTOBER 28 SYLLABUS-

LECTURE- OF MAIN POINTS OF

READINGS

DISCUSSIONS- (CREATE DAVID TRIPP

DISCUSSION LIST)

READINGS: PART 1 (CHAPTERS

1,2,3,4)

FORUM POST: NO POST THIS WEEK

NOVEMBER 4 LECTURE

DISCUSSION

(BOOK DISCUSSION)

THE GOSPEL GAP

COUNTERFEIT HOPES

HERE’S WHERE GOD IS

TAKING YOU

MARRIED TO CHRIST

READINGS: PART 2 & 3 (CHAPTERS

5,6, 7,8)

FORUM POST: DUE BY SUNDAY AT

MIDNIGHT.

ASSIGNMENTS: ARTICLE # 1 DUE BY

MONDAY

NOVEMBER 9 (SATURDAY) LECTURE: ON MAIN POINTS OF

READINGS

READINGS: PART 4 & 5 (CHAPTERS 9,

10,11,12)

DISCUSSION

CHANGE IS A COMMUNITY

PROJECT

THE BIG PICTURE

HEAT 1: GOD IN THE REAL

WORLD

HEAT 2: YOU IN THE REAL

WORLD

CREATIVE PROJECT PRESENTATIONS:

FORUM POST: DUE BY SUNDAY

ASSIGNMENTS: CREATIVE PROJECT

PRESENTATIONS DUE

NOVEMBER 18 LECTURE

DISCUSSION

THORN 1: WHAT ENTANGLES

YOU?

THORN 2: WHY DO YOU GET

ENTANGLED?

CROSS 1: NEW IDENTITY AND

NEW POTENTIAL

CROSS 2: THE CROSS AND

DAILY LIVING

READINGS: PART 6 & 7 (CHAPTERS

13,14,15,16)

FORUM POST: DUE BY SUNDAY AT

MIDNIGHT.

ASSIGNMENTS: ARTICLE # 2

NOVEMBER 25 NO CLASSES- HAPPY THANKSGIVING SAY A PRAYER OF THANKFULNESS

“OH, GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD,

FOR HE IS GOOD! FOR HIS MERCY

ENDURES FOREVER.”

I CHRONICLES 16:34

DECEMBER 2 LECTURE

DISCUSSION

FRUIT 1: REAL HEART

CHANGE

FRUIT 2: NEW AND

SURPRISING FRUIT

ONE COUPLE’S STORY

ONE CHURCH’S STORY

READINGS: PART 8 & 9 (CHAPTERS

17,18, 19)

FORUM POST: DUE BY SUNDAY AT

MIDNIGHT.

ASSIGNMENT: CREATIVE PROJECT

PAPER DUE (BRING TO CLASS)

DECEMBER 9 FINAL EXAM

EXAM 1 (INDIVIDUAL)

EXAM 2 (GROUP)

READINGS: REVIEW ALL CHAPTERS TO

PREPARE FOR THE FINAL EXAM

FORUM POST: NO POSTS FOR THIS

WEEK

ASSIGNMENTS: