Developmental Science
Overview
- Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
- Convenor: Prof Ori Ossmy
- Assessment: a multiple-choice examination (30%) and 1500-word essay (70%)
Module description
In this module we introduce you to research and theory of developmental psychology, focusing on primary and secondary school ages. Seminal theories and basic research of individual growth and development are analysed and critiqued. Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding the influence of culture and socioeconomic level. Relations between home, school, and community as well as their impact on development are also explored through readings, lectures and discussions.
Indicative syllabus
- Introduction to developmental science
- Main research questions and strategies
- Fetal learning and development
- Perceptual and motor development
- Cognitive development
- Social and emotional development
- Moral development
- Language development
- Adolescence and gender
- Neurodevelopmental conditions
- Ageing
Learning objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- identify and explain major theories of social, emotional, cognitive and physical development across the lifespan (infancy, childhood, adolescence)
- examine the ways in which culture, ethnicity, class and social identities (e.g. socioeconomic status, sexual identity and ethnicity) influence the various domains of development
- understand central theories of ageing from a psychological perspective
- understand the central neural mechanisms related to ageing
- show familiarity with central ageing disorders that relate to developmental science.