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

Further details relating to assessment
DIRECTED ACTIVITIES (10% of module marks) - Semester 2 Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment:

001 Directed study activities throughout Semester Two 10%
002 Poster presentation; 1 x 1,500 words equivalent; Semester Two 45%
003 Essay; 2,000 words; Semester Two 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Sarah Whiter
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2

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