Unit information: Introduction to psychology for Childhood Studies in 2020/21

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

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

After completing this Unit, successful students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Familiarity and critical consideration of key developmental theories; their research and practice.
2. Understanding of the interchange between heredity and the environment, considering culture and biology.
3. Understanding of the integration of physical, cognitive, emotional and social domains in development from conception through to adolescence.
4. Application of theory to practice, considering actions and implications, for self and society.
5. Knowledge of the principles and methods of developmental research.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, and self-directed practical activities supported by study-group sessions. The narrated power point presentations will cover psychological content and theory, whilst more applied, in-depth and extended learning will take the form of self-paced, material delivered electronically, and undertaken individually, or in pairs or groups, and supported through tutor involvement/feedback. We will make use of online collaboration tools to foster a collaborative space. Formative case study learning is embedded in the unit and group work on case studies is included in on-line material to support preparation for unit assessment.

Assessment Information

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