PSY316 – Child and Adolescent Development

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

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

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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:  

  1. Discuss major developmental theories and their implications for understanding child and adolescent behavior. 
  2. Identify significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social milestones at various developmental stages. 
  3. Evaluate the effects of genetic, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors on development. 
  4. Apply knowledge of development to create age-appropriate educational activities and interventions. 
  5. Understand ethical considerations when working with children and adolescents, including respecting their autonomy and cultural heritage. 

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.  
  3. Individual assignments (10%): Assign research papers that require students to delve into specific developmental topics, review relevant research, and critically analyze findings. 
  4. Presence & Participation (10%): Students should be present and actively participate in in-class discussions. 

Readings

  1. Berk, L. E. (2019). Child Development. Pearson. 
  2. Piaget, J. (1952). The Origins of Intelligence in Children. International Universities Press. 
  3. Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Psychology Press. 
  4. 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.