Undergraduate - UnitATS2260 - Developmental psychology: Behaviour across the lifespan

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Synopsis

Developmental psychology examines the lifespan perspective on human development across three domains: physical, social and cognitive. This unit acknowledges the importance of culture and the sociohistorical context. Areas of interest include prenatal and gender role development, and aging. Methods of gathering and evaluating evidence relevant to developmental phenomena will be examined and attachment and language acquisition will be discussed.

Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of developmental theories and how they can be applied to humans;
2. Display an appreciation of predictable life events and crises which may occur across the lifespan;
3. Critically evaluate various cultural and social differences that contribute to adult development;
4. Discuss major theoretical perspectives that attempt to explain successful aging;
5. Evaluate the role of research and theory in the advancement of knowledge within the field of developmental psychology.

Assessment

Weekly questions (1200 words): 25%,
Short-answer assignment (1300 words): 35%,
Examination (2 hours): 40%.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr George Van Doorn

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Psychological studies

Prerequisites

12 credit points at first year level, one of which must be ATS1359 or ATS1362.

Prohibitions

PSS1712, BHS1340, ATS1262, GSC1307, GSC1712, PSY2031, WEL1340, PSY1011, PSY1022, ATS1360.