Elective Course
PSY316 – Child and Adolescent Development
Course Unit Code: PSY316
Type Of Unit: Elective
Level of Course Unit: Undergraduate
Year of Study: Year 3
Number of ECTS Credits: 7.5
Class Contact Hours: 36
Mode of Delivery
Face to Face
Prerequisites
PSY204
Course Objectives
Students will gain a thorough understanding of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development processes that take place from infancy through adolescence in this course. Students will learn about the elements that influence young people’s growth and behavior through studying the ideas, scientific discoveries, and practical applications of child and adolescent development. In order to work effectively with children and adolescents in a variety of contexts, including educational, clinical, and social settings, this course seeks to give students the information and skills they need.
Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are expected, where students will:
- Discuss major developmental theories and their implications for understanding child and adolescent behavior.
- Identify significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones at various developmental stages.
- Evaluate the effects of genetic, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors on development.
- Apply knowledge of development to create age-appropriate educational activities and interventions.
- Understand ethical considerations when working with children and adolescents, including respecting their autonomy and cultural heritage.
Course Content
Students will gain a thorough understanding of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development processes that take place from infancy through adolescence in this course. Students will learn about the elements that influence young people’s growth and behavior through studying the ideas, scientific discoveries, and practical applications of child and adolescent development. In order to work effectively with children and adolescents in a variety of contexts, including educational, clinical, and social settings, this course seeks to give students the information and skills they need.
Week 1: Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development
Week 2: Biological Foundations of Development
Week 3: Cognitive Development
Week 4: Social and Emotional Development
Week 5: Early Childhood Development
Week 6: Middle Childhood Development
Week 7: Adolescence and Identity
Week 8: Social and Cultural Influences
Week 9: Technology and Development
Week 10: Developmental Challenges and Interventions
Week 11: Ethical Considerations in Child Development
Week 12: Applying Developmental Knowledge
Week 13: Contemporary Issues in Child and Adolescent Development
Week 14: Future Directions in Developmental Psychology
Course Features
Teaching methodology: Lecture
Assessment:
- Midterm & Final Exam (30% & 30%): Mid-term and final exams will be conducted covering the entire course. Both exams will include multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions.
- Group assignment and presentation (20%): Assign group projects that involve in-depth research and presentation on specific developmental themes, theories, or issues, guided by real-case scenarios provided by the lecturer.
- Individual assignments (10%): Assign research papers that require students to delve into specific developmental topics, review relevant research, and critically analyze findings.
- Presence & Participation (10%): Students should be present and actively participate in in-class discussions.
Readings
- Berk, L. E. (2019). Child Development. Pearson.
- Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children. International Universities Press.
- Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Psychology Press.
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
5. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.
6. Bandura, A. (1986). Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Prentice-Hall.
7. American Psychological Association (APA) – Division 7: Developmental Psychology.