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Unit information: Introduction to psychology for Childhood Studies in 2019/20

Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Introduction to psychology for Childhood Studies
Unit code SPOL10016
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Jak Lee
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department School for Policy Studies
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce students to the key ideas and issues in childhood psychology. It will cover a range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains from conception to adolescence, and place these in their environmental and biological context.

The aims of this unit are to: Introduce major aspects of development from conception through to adolescence Demonstrate the integration of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains in development Understand the interchange between heredity and environment, considering culture and biology Provide knowledge of practical and applied implications of developmental research.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate: Familiarity with key developmental theories Understanding of the influence of environment on development Understanding of the biological bases of psychology Awareness of development as a lifelong process Knowledge of the principles and methods of developmental research

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught via lectures, seminars and guided individual study. The seminars will include presentations by students, group discussion and various exercises designed to enhance the teaching and learning of the topics covered.

Assessment Information

Report on one aspect of a case study (1000 words) (25%)

Case Study (2000 words) (75%)

Reading and References

  • Smith P K, Cowie H & Blades M (2011) Understanding Development (5th Edn),
  • Chichester: Wiley Boyd D & Bee H L (2012) Lifespan Development (6th Edn)
  • Harlow: Pearson Education Berk L E (2010) Development Through the Lifespan, (5th Edn)
  • Boston: Allyn & Bacon Schacter D L, Gilbert D T, Wegner D M; adapted by Hood B (2012) Psychology , Houndmills: Palgrave MacMillan
  • Slater A & Bremner J G (Eds) (2011) An Introduction to Developmental Psychology (2nd Ed), Leicester: BPS Blackwell

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