Current Topics in Developmental Psych. (PSYC40001)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject aims to provide students with the ability to critically review advances in developmental psychological research by analysing answers to questions about how best to conceptualise the impact of genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural factors on the developing child.
Five themes/questions reoccur in the subject:
- What is the correspondence between developmental models and the research methods used to evaluate those models?
- What are the social and policy implications of contemporary research findings?
- What are typical and/or atypical developmental trajectories within and across cultures?
- How should the impact of the interaction between social and more biologically-based factors be characterised?
- What is the validity and/or reliability of developmental assessment procedures?
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of the subject students will demonstrate knowledge of:
- typical and atypical developmental trajectories within and across cultures
- the relationships between genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural aspects of development
Skills
On completion of the subject students will have developed skills to:
- interpret the social and policy implications of contemporary research data
- review contemporary research claims, especially those focusing on domain general versus domain specific developmental processes
- interpret limitations of developmental tests.
Application of knowledge and skills
On completion of this subject students will be able to apply their knowledge and skills to:
- critically evaluate perspectives on the relationships between genetic, biological, neurological, cognitive, affective, interpersonal, social and cultural aspects of development
- evaluate the adequacy of the correspondence between developmental models and research methods uses to evaluate those models
- write theoretical essays reflecting an understanding of a current developmental debate.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students will have had the opportunity to develop skills in:
- skills related to integrating and distinguishing between different approaches to development in order to develop an understanding of contemporary issues relating theory to psychological analysis and practice.
- be able to discern and manipulate relationships between theoretical and methodological claims about development.
- draw out the social implications of developmental psychology for current social policy.
- present, develop and support an argument for a position and anticipate criticism.
- interact with peers to facilitate respectful development of communication and listening skills
- write an argument-based essay
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this subject
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
A psychology accredited major sequence
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Students will complete three essays and engage in class discussions
| 100% | |
| Hurdle requirement: Attendance at 80% or more of classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Judi Humberstone Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Thirty-six hours of lectures and/or seminars. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Informal specialisation Psychology
Last updated: 3 November 2022