module specification

PC5064 - Development Across the Lifespan (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Development Across the Lifespan
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
114 hours Guided independent study
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Report
In-Course Test 50%   Test
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Thursday Afternoon

Module summary

The aim of this module is to explore how humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. It will introduce you to classic and contemporary theory and research on human development including theories and models of developmental stages and associated behaviour, including both cognitive and social development. You will also learn about the research methods used when working with people at different stages of the lifespan, cross-cultural research on human development, and the extent to which developmental stages are universal or culture specific. The module will equip you with core skills in developmental psychology which are highly valued in educational and employment contexts.

Syllabus

Topics will be drawn from: research methods in developmental psychology; attachment styles; cognitive development (perception, memory, language information processing); theory of mind; identity; moral development; human development across cultures.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, seminars, supplementary guided web-based learning, and self-managed independent study. You will be encouraged to reflect on your learning and take responsibility for identifying gaps in your knowledge or understanding of the topics.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will:
1. Be able to explain and evaluate key theories and models of developmental stages and associated behaviours.
2. Have a critical understanding of the research on which the key theories and models of human development are based, including cross-cultural research.
3. Be able to draw evidence-based conclusions about the extent to which developmental stages are universal or culture specific and discuss the implications.

Bibliography