CYP4062 - Introduction to Child Psychology

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Outline key concepts, theories and issues relating to the psychology of childhood and adolescence;
Distinguish between different concepts and theories which explain the psychological development of children and adolescents;
Analyse issues arising from concepts and theories of social, emotional and cognitive development;
Classify the strengths and weaknesses of different sources of psychological data relating to children and adolescents

Content:

The nature, methods and justification for child psychology will provide a basis for studying the beginning of life, including our inheritance, development from conception to birth and the newborn’s adjustment to the world. The formation of relationships will consider the family, “attachments” and peer relationships. The development of gender identity will be considered. An introduction to emotional development will comprise an attempt to explain what emotions are, children’s conception of emotion, socialization of emotions and the development of emotional competence. An introduction to cognitive development will consist of the main perspectives on the development of thought and language. Finally, the construction of the self including adolescent development will be introduced.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught using a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Tutorials will involve revision and review of course material. The contact sessions will be supported by use of the virtual learning environment.

Lectures, seminars and workshops
Hours: 33
Intended Group size: Cohort

On-line support and small group tutorials
Hours: 1 (min)
Intended group size: 6-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 166

Assessment: