| Unit name | Developmental Psychology and Language (Conversion) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PSYCM0061 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18) |
| Unit director | Professor. Davis |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Psychological Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
This unit aims to introduce the student to the experimental approach to studying human behaviour during early childhood and to interpreting the research from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. It also focuses on the development of linguistic abilities from early infancy to adulthood, with particular attention to the biological foundations of language, its evolutionary origins and underlying brain mechanisms.
Aims:
- Develop students' interest, scientific knowledge and understanding of the study of developmental psychology and psychology of language.
- Introduce students to the methodological approaches to the study of developmental psychology and psychology of language, and the application of these to particular areas such as critical period, cognitive development, early memory, speech recognition, and reading.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory and how theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data.
- Help students to understand the conceptual and historical issues in the subject matter and their relation to other areas of psychological science.
- Help students to acquire a wide range of transferable skills.
On completion of this unit, the student will:
- Have a good understanding and scientific knowledge of the topic and methodological approaches to the study of developmental psychology.
- Have a good understanding of the application of these approaches to the study of specific areas of psychological science.
- Be able to integrate this understanding of these methodologies with other areas of psychological science.
- Be able to understand the conceptual and historical issues in the subject matter of this unit and how they relate to other areas of psychological science.
- Be able to plan and contribute to seminar-based presentations of topics covered in this unit and have further improved their scientific writing skills.
This unit comprises weekly lectures, Q&A, revision tutorials, and seminars (presenting at one of the seminars). In addition, support sessions will be available to aid student’s acquisition of more foundational material.
Readings are posted on blackboard and in lecture slides.
