PSY6322 - Childhood and Society

Objectives:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

(1) Demonstrate knowledge and critical evaluation of relevant research and theory from historical, contemporary and international perspectives;
(2) Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of various methodological and theoretical approaches;
(3) Demonstrate an understanding of the complex interaction between genetic, environmental and socio-cultural processes in the shaping of childhood;
(4) Debate and critically evaluate current issues in the field.

Content:

Applied issues in psychological development are presented and explored as the complex interaction of inherited and environmental effects, set in a varying cultural context that governs the roles, goals and purposes of childhood.

Indicative content: cross-cultural (and historical) experiences of childhood and development; the impact of early experiences - vulnerability and resilience; ethnicity - growing up with minority status; poverty - 'relative': role of cultural influences, comparisons and effects; transracial/inter-country adoption; street-children - development and effects; separated children - separation from parents due to divorce, bereavement, etc.; child abuse - short and long term effects; role of the father in development; role of children in adult development.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught using two-hour lectures/workshops and small group seminars.

Lectures and Workshops
Contact hours: 30
Intended group size: Cohort

Guided Independent Study
Hours: 170

Assessment:

001 Group presentation; 20 minutes; mid semester 1 50%
002 Essay; 2,000 words; end of semester 2 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Julian Perara
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S2

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