PSYC 345 Exceptional Child Course Description All major areas of exceptionality will be surveyed to provide undergraduate students with a first contact with the field of exceptionality. The focus is cognitive content-based rather than experiential. Characteristics of children and families will be evaluated, according to theories of human development. Rationale This course explores theoretical perspectives and empirical data on disorders in children from infancy through adolescence. Students will be introduced to salient concepts, research, and controversies in the field of exceptionality. This course will enhance students’ understanding of various disorders (e.g., etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, current research) and related interventions. Prerequisites PSYC 101 or 210; PSYC 255 Required Resource Purchases American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (Current ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Parritz, R. H., & Troy, M. F. (2014). Disorders of childhood: Development and psychopathology (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781285096063. Additional Materials for Learning Computer with basic audio/video output equipment Internet access (broadband recommended) Microsoft Word (Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to students.) Measurable Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the complexity of individual differences within the context of exceptional child psychology. Explain the major areas of developmental psychopathology including etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Analyze current research in the field of exceptional child psychology as it relates to real-world applications. Create an intervention plan that synthesizes research and practical applications within a real-world context. Discuss a biblical worldview as related to critical issues surrounding children with disabilities and their families. Course Requirements and Assignments Textbook readings and lecture presentations Discussion Board Forums (5) The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 300 words and be written in current APA format. The thread must include 1 textbook or research citation and 1 biblical citation. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 1 other classmate’s thread. Each reply must be at least 250 words and be written in current APA format. The reply must include 1 textbook or research citation and 1 biblical citation. Reference List for “From My Friend, Ro Vargo” Paper The student will submit a reference page with the 4–5 peer-reviewed articles (1995–present publication dates) that he/she plans on using for his/her “From My Friend, Ro Vargo” Paper. The reference page must be in current APA format. “From My Friend, Ro Vargo” Paper The student will write a 6–10-page paper in current APA format. The paper will focus on theories of developmental psychopathology as well as advantages and challenges associated with full inclusion as they apply to the family’s scenario in “From My Friend, Ro Vargo.” The paper must include 4–5 references (1995–present publication dates) in addition to the course textbook and the Bible. Reference List for Case Study Paper or Full Inclusion Ministry Paper The student will submit a reference page with the 5 peer-reviewed articles (2010–present publication dates) that he/she plans on using for either his/her Case Study Paper or Full Inclusion Ministry Paper. The reference page must be in current APA format. Case Study Paper or Full Inclusion Ministry Paper The student will choose to complete 1 of the following papers. Case Study Paper The student will create a 15-page intervention plan for a hypothetical child with a disability that interests him/her or with which he/she feels called to work. The paper will discuss: the child and family characteristics (e.g., risk and protective factors); the specific disability chosen; research on recommended intervention approaches; and how the student will work with the family to set, measure, and assess goals at the child and family level. This assignment must be in current APA format and have a minimum of 5 current (2010–present publication dates), peer-reviewed/scholarly resources. Full Inclusion Ministry Paper The student will write a 15-page paper that synthesizes and applies the core concepts of this course in a real-world setting. Specifically, the student will create a full inclusion plan for a local church’s children’s ministry. This assignment must be in current APA format and have a minimum of 5 current (2010–present publication dates), peer-reviewed/scholarly resources. Exams (4) Each exam will cover the Reading & Study material for the modules/weeks in which it is assigned. Each exam will be open-book/open-notes, contain 50 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour and 30-minute time limit. Course Grading and Policies Points Course Requirements Checklist Discussion Board Forums (4 at 70 pts ea, 1 at 40 pts) 10 320 Reference List for “From My Friend, Ro Vargo” Paper 15 “From My Friend, Ro Vargo” Paper 120 Reference List for Case Study Paper or Full Inclusion Ministry Paper 15 Case Study Paper or Full Inclusion Ministry Paper 130 Exam 1 (Modules 1–2) 100 Exam 2 (Modules 3–4) 100 Exam 3 (Modules 5–6) 100 Exam 4 (Modules 7–8) 100 Total 1010 Scale A = 900–1010 B = 800–899 C = 700–799 D = 600–699 F = 0–599 Late Assignment Policy If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions: Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive a 10% deduction. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the class will not be accepted. Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted. Special circumstances (e.g., death in the family, personal health issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.