Aims

The module provides students with a thorough understanding of developmental psychology across several key domains: perception, cognition, language, social behaviour and cultural transmission, conceptual change, morality, and neurodivergence. General aims of the module are:
1.       To provide students with a solid foundation of the theoretical views underpinning our understanding of human development.
2.       To encourage critical thinking regarding methodological approaches in developmental psychology, including the impact of the historical and cultural context.
3.       To help students recognise how psychological research can and should be used to optimise human development across the lifespan.

Outline Of Syllabus

Research methods and theoretical approaches in child development
Language development
Face perception
Number concept
Object concept
Cognitive development: Information processing and social context
Social cognition
Moral & emotional development
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Theory of Mind
Adolescence, adulthood and ageing

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures are used as the principle and most effective mode of imparting the core knowledge of the module. The question and answer sessions are used to impart and discuss knowledge and understanding. Workshops will help students to consolidate knowledge gained through lectures. These include two essay writing workshops designed to help students practice their academic writing skills, familiarise themselves with marking criteria and receive constructive feedback. The private study is essential for in-depth review of knowledge imparted through lecture materials.

Formative practice will be gained via essay workshops and interactive sessions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQs and essay questions are used to assess knowledge, independent learning and understanding of material; and the ability to integrate this material, to communicate it clearly, and to demonstrate critical thinking and an original approach.

FMS Schools offering Semester One modules available as ‘Study Abroad’ will, where required, provide an alternative assessment time for examinations that take place after the Winter vacation. Coursework with submission dates after the Winter vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely. The assessment format will not normally vary from the original to ensure learning outcomes are met. Any changes to the original format must meet module learning outcomes and be approved by the school.dates after the Christmas vacation will either be submitted at an earlier date or at the same time remotely.

If the module is failed or deferred students will resit failed or deferred assessments in the same format during the August resit period.