Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module PSYC40615: Current Issues in Developmental Psychology

Department: Psychology

PSYC40615: Current Issues in Developmental Psychology

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None.
Tied to C8K009

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with in depth knowledge of the current theoretical issues in the field of developmental psychology
  • To provide students with advanced in depth knowledge of historical and philosophical issues within the field of developmental psychology

Content

  • This module uses seminars to examine current research issues in a range of areas within the field of developmental psychology
  • These issues may include topics in the field of social cognition, attachment, fetal development, developmental cognitive neuroscience

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Detailed understanding of specific research issues in the field of developmental psychology
  • Acquisition of knowledge about the history, background and philosophical underpinnings of current research within the field of developmental psychology
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Developing an understanding of the role of developmental psychology within current views of developmental processes
Key Skills:
  • Good written communication skills
  • Developing the ability to learn independently within broad guidelines

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is taught through weekly two hour seminars for one term
  • This module is assessed formatively through an assignment
  • Summative assessment of this module is through an examination

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 10 weekly for 1 term 2 hours 20
Preparation and reading 130
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

2000 word essay on issues derived from seminars


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University