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
(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 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’: cross cultural 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:

Lecture
Contact hours 28
Number of groups 1

Seminars
Contact hours 10
Number of groups 2

Assessment: