This module will cover key issues in issues in development (both typical and atypical development). Although the main focus is on the period from infancy to adolescence, aspects of life-span development will also be covered.
Beginning with a brief history of developmental psychology, key theories and debates in developmental psychology (past and present) will be discussed. Covering topics in both cognitive (e.g. perception, language, reading, drawing) and social development (e.g. social understanding, emotion, identity) the module aims to make students think about what `typical' means and explore the influence of cultural norms.

A range of atypical behaviour will be covered including specific and non-specific learning difficulties and behavioural problems. These will be addressed within the context of the life-span, genetic and environmental influences, and the nature-nurture debate.

Finally, all material will be embedded in discussion of the emergence of appropriate developmental theories encompassing comparative analyses of different approaches to the study of child and adult development. Methodological contributions to furthering our knowledge about children's development are also an integral feature of this module.

A COURSEWORK essay of no more than 2,500 words weighted at 50% to assess depth of learning. ( LO's 2 and 3)

A 1.5 hour EXAM, weighted 50%, to assess breadth of learning. (LO 1)

Formative Assessment/Feedback:
Feedback on short answer questions in an Independent Learning Pack will provide formative feedback for the Exam. Student evaluation of past students' essays and Case Studies (with tutor feedback) in teaching sessions will provide formative feedback for the Essay.

Learning Resource Centre and Main Library
Access to Psychology databases
Videos and CD Roms as directed

Barker P (2000) Basic Child Psychiatry. Wiley
Mash E.J. & Wolfe D.A. (2002) Abnormal Child Psychology 2nd Edition. Wadsworth
Smith, P.K, Cowie, H. & Blades, M. (2011, 5th Ed.). Understanding children's development. Blackwell. Leman, P. Bremner, A., Parke, R.S., Gauvain, M. (2012) Developmental Psychology. McGrawHill.

Be registered on the MSc Psychology Award

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF RESEARCH AT THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT) (KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

2. DEMONSTRATE ORIGINALITY WHEN CRITICALLY ANALYSING A NUMBER OF CONTEMPORARY ISSUES WITHIN THE FIELDS OF TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT (ANALYSIS, APPLICATION)

3. SYSTEMATICALLY, COHERENTLY AND ANALYTICALLY COMMUNICATE IDEAS AND DEBATES WITHIN TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT (COMMUNICATION, LEARNING)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (54)
Weekly Lectures
Seminars/ Drop in sessions - seminars/practical sessions/drop-in in Semester 1, and seminars/practical sessions/drop-in in Semester 2).
Additional seminar which will focus on Master’s level skills

Guided Independent Study: (246)
58 hours Reading including research (using library and web facilities) into specified topic areas
40 hours Learning Pack/Workshop
28 hours Integration and reflection
60 hours Preparing for seminars/practicals
60 hours Assessment Preparation

Each session will include material presented primarily in a lecture format, presenting the issues, theories and evidence on a wide range of developmental topics and perspectives. A range of other activities and materials may also be used in each session to supplement lecture material including videos and a variety of formative tasks.

Formative work will focus on the Independent Learning Pack, and marking criteria, as well as a practical/workshop for the Class Test. Peer evaluation and discussion of past student essays/analysis of case studies (with tutor feedback), as well as guidelines on the assessment criteria for essay will be the basis of formative work for the Essay.
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) complete the tasks and reading described in the Independent Learning Pack/ Module Handbook, (iv) Prepare for the teaching sessions (e.g. completing any pre-lecture work recommended on Blackboard, reading set texts, writing essay plans, practicing short answers), (v) Use CD roms explaining developmental phenomena, (vi) Prepare for the assessments.