This module explores the historical and socio-cultural contexts of childhood and development. Key theories of physical, social, emotional and cognitive development will be covered.

These will be linked to major contexts of childhood today, including family, school, nature and disadvantaged contexts. Different theories of development will be explored in relation to application and relevance in practice settings (e.g. education, health, or family settings). Students will be encouraged to apply this knowledge to solve practical 'real world' problems.

Two hour weekly teaching sessions will include material presented in a lecture format as well as a Workshop. Each session will present theory and research on a range of developmental theories, childhood contexts and issues, and/or applications to practice settings. A range of other materials may also be used in each session to supplement the lecture, including videos.

Students will also be guided to complete formative tasks. Guidance for the assessment will be included in the taught sessions. In Teaching Block 2 these formative learning sessions will be more focused on application of theory to practice, as well as employability, and include guidelines on the assessment criteria for the Coursework Essay.

Guided Independent Study: (252)
140 hours Guided Independent Reading including research (using library and web facilities) into specified topic areas

52 hours Preparing for lecture / workshops
60 hours Assessment Preparation

During independent study students will be expected to (i) read some key articles/ book chapters suggested by the tutor relating to each of the topics introduced in the lectures, (ii) do their own literature searches (Web of Sciences, PsychInfo, etc.), (iii) Prepare for the 2 hour teaching sessions (e.g. completing any pre-lecture work recommended on Blackboard, reading set texts, writing essay plans, practicing short answers), (iv) watch any recommended videos/talks (v) Prepare for the assessments.

Learning Resource Centre (Science Centre) and Main Library
Access to Psychology databases
DVDs and CD Roms as directed

Boyd, D. & Bee, H. (2012). The Developing Child. London. Pearson Education
Durkin, K. & Schaffer, H. R. (2015). The Wiley Handbook of Developmental Psychology in Practice: Implementation and Impact. John Wiley & Sons
Macbain, S (2017). Contemporary Childhood. Sage

1. DEMONSTRATE IN DEPTH KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIVERSITY OF INFLUENCES (HISTORICAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL) ON THEORIES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CHILDHOOD AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT. (SGA 1)
Knowledge and Understanding

2. EVALUATE RESEARCH AND THEORY ADDRESSING KEY CONTEXTUAL FACTORS (E.G. FAMILY, SCHOOL, NATURE) WHICH AFFECT CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SGA 3, 9)
Application

3. CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE APPROPRIATENESS OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO PROPOSING SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT CHILD DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND WELFARE. (SGA 9, 10) Problem Solving
Reflection

4. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT THEORY AND RESEARCH AND APPLY CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OUTSIDE THE CONTEXT IN WHICH THEY WERE FIRST STUDIED, E.G. TO TRANSFER LEARNING FROM ACADEMIC MODULES TO PRACTICE LEARNING SETTINGS (SG 1)
Application

Must be registered on BSc Psychology and Child Development or BSc Psychological Studies award.

Two written assessments (each 1000 words and 25% of module mark) to assess LO’s 1 & 2.



One written assessment, of 2000 words in length and covering LO's 1, 3, and 4. Worth 50% or the mark (50%)

PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 and 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

1 x2000 word written task (replacing exam)
1 x 1000 word essay
1 x 1000 word essay (final assessment)

This module explores the historical and socio-cultural contexts of childhood and development. Key theories of physical, social, emotional and cognitive development will be covered.
These will be linked to major contexts of childhood today, including family, school, nature and disadvantaged contexts. Different theories of development will be explored in relation to application and relevance in practice settings (e.g. education, health, or family settings). You will be encouraged to apply this knowledge to solve practical 'real world' problems.