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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC1204 What is a Child: Child Development and Learning

20 creditsClass Size: 92

Module manager: Dr Paula Clarke
Email: P.J.Clarke@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is mutually exclusive with

EDUC1211Psychological approaches to Education

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module explores psychological approaches to understanding childhood. Key theories which have been influential in developmental and child psychology will be described and evaluated, and key debates on the contribution of different influences on development will be introduced. This module will cover social and cognitive development and will therefore encompass a range of different developing skills, processes and abilities. Areas of cognitive development will include language development and theory of mind. These will be considered within the developing social contexts of the child. You will develop an understanding of the scientific methods used by psychologists when studying child development and you will have the opportunity to conduct your own small-scale practical investigation.

Objectives

This module provides an introduction to psychological approaches to understanding childhood.
It aims to:
- Introduce key theories which have been influential in developmental and child psychology
- Develop an understanding of the scientific study of child development via practical exploration
- Explore key debates that centre on the contribution of different influences on child development (e.g. biological and environmental)
- Explore aspects of social and cognitive development, including the development of sense of self, language and theory of mind
- Develop understanding of an ecological approach, focusing on development within social contexts and understanding the role of, and relationship with, significant others.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Draw on a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical studies from within the field of psychology.
- Demonstrate knowledge and apply an understanding of the scientific method used in psychological research.
- Demonstrate an awareness of key debates and issues within the field.
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the complex and interactive nature of influences on child development.

Skills outcomes
Research skills: presenting and discussing findings


Syllabus

(Italics outline indicative content.)

Week 1: Introduction to the study of development from a psychological perspective
Key questions addressed are what do we mean by development and what methods are used to study it?

Week 2: Key theories 1: attachment
A critical perspective will be taken to the work of Bowlby and Ainsworth.

Week 3: Key theories 2: Piaget & Vygotsky
This lecture will provide an overview and critique of Piaget's theory and an introduction to Vygotsky's ideas of development in a socio-cultural context.

Week 4: Key theories 3: transactional and ecological approaches
This lecture introduces the work of Sameroff and Bronfenbrenner.

Weeks 5 & 6: Development of sense of self
This will be considered within an ecological systems framework - i.e. the role of family, peers, schools etc on children's emerging sense of self and identity will be discussed.

Weeks 7 & 8: Development of language and social communication skills
This will be considered within an ecological systems framework.

Weeks 9 & 10: Development of theory of mind & empathy
This will be considered within an ecological systems framework.

Week 11: Overview of module and recap of themes

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture112.0022.00
Seminar61.006.00
Private study hours172.00
Total Contact hours28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students will be expected to do specified reading in preparation for the seminars.
They will also be expected to undertake private study in order to complete the assignments. Resources and activities will be available via the Virtual Learning Environment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative assessment activities, related to seminar content, will ensure students develop skills and receive regular feedback on their learning. This will enable both them and the tutors to monitor progress.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 2000 words66.00
Report1 x 1000 project report34.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:35:24

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