PSY4260 - Contemporary issues in development psychology

Leader(s): Dr Jocelyn Gordon

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2009 (Evening)
Singapore First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
South Africa First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will cover key issues in psychological development across the human lifespan. It aims to increase students' knowledge and understanding of human development and its content will reflect the view that human behaviour, throughout life, is multiply determined by the interaction of both environmental and constitutional influences. For instance, family atmosphere, socioeconomic status, schooling, temperament and cognitive and physical attributes. Deviations from so-called normal development in cognitive, social, emotional and interpersonal domains will be examined with the aim of identifying learning or intervention strategies for maximising human potential and well-being.

Objectives

On completion of this unit on human development across the lifespan students will be able to:

1. evaluate arguments pertaining to the nature-nurture issue;
2. compare contrasted theories of physical, cognitive, emotional and personality development;
3. critically examine influences contributing to reported sex differences in development;
4. identify some psychological components affecting interpersonal communication;
5. gained an appreciation of the value of informed group discussion in evaluating important ideas in psychology; and
6. further developed skills in written and oral communication, and the use of current information technologies.

Assessment

Seminar presentation: 35%
Participation in class discussion: 25%
Essay (1500 words): 40%

Prerequisites

Completed Bachelors Degree and a major sequence in psychology approved by the Australian Psychological Society or qualification assessed as equivalent by the Australian Psychological Society, with a distinction average for third year psychology units.

Prohibitions

PSY4200, PSY4230, PSY4240, PSY4507, PSY4508, PSY4509, PSY4512,PSY4250