| Unit name | Introduction to psychology for Childhood Studies |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL10016 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| 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 |
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.
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
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.
Formative assessment will be by 1,500 word essay
Summative assessment will be by a three-hour written exam, requiring essay-based answers chosen from a list of titles reflecting the learning outcomes and content of the unit.
Assessments will be assessed against the published marking criteria for Level 4 (Programme Handbook)
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
