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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Child and Adolescent Psychology |
| Unit code |
SPOL20032 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Turner |
| Open unit status |
Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
The content of this unit draws from research and theories in Developmental Psychology. The unit provides an opportunity for an (introductory) examination of selected aspects of psychological development relating to the lives of children and young people. Some sessions will aim to examine the psychological consequences of children's exposure to adverse situations. Additionally, sessions will describe physical, cognitive, and social growth of young people with special attention to the various cultural contexts of development and the rich diversity of individuals. A range of issues in selected areas of contemporary Developmental Psychology will be examined, such as:
- Development of personality;
- Child maltreatment;
- Gender role development
- Sexual problems in children & young people
- Psychology in education
- The psychology of sleep
- The psychology of Adolescence
- The impact of domestic violence on children and young people
Students are expected to gain knowledge in these areas, and to develop a critical approach to the analysis of current research and theoretical issues.
At the end of studying this unit students should be able to:
- Understand and describe the major theories and areas of research in developmental psychology;
- Understand and be able to evaluate the methods used to research developmental psychology;
- Relate the theories and thinking of developmental psychology to child development;
- Understand the relationship between developmental psychology and other psychological approaches and disciplines;
- Think critically about the key studies/theories.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Good understanding of the major developmental theories and related research to support their claims
- Ability to evaluate the method sused to research developmental psychology
- Ability to relate the theories of developmental psychology to child development
- Good understanding of the relationship between developmental psychology and other psychological approaches and disciplines.
Teaching Information
Lectures & seminars.
Assessment Information
3000 word essay
Reading and References
- Beckett, C. (2007). Human growth and development. London: Sage Publications.
- Berger, K.S. (2001). The developing person through the lifespan. New York: Worth Publishers
- Berk, L.E. (2006). Child development (7h Edn.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
- Daniel, B., Wassel, S., & Gilligan, R. (2010). Child development for child protection workers. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Shemmings, D., & Shemmings, Y. (2011). Understanding disorganized attachment theory and practice for working with children and adults. London; Philadelphia, PA : Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
- Smith, P.K., Cowie, H. & Blades, M. (2011). Understanding Children's Development (5th ed). Oxford: Blackwell.
