PS7M Lifespan Development
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Description:
Lifespan Development
Adolescent and Adult Lifespan Development
PS7M
NFQ Level:
8
June 2013
ECTS Credits:
5
Dr. Deirdre Cowman
This module introduces students to the important developmental stages across the
lifespan beginning with adolescence. It aims to develop greater understanding of the
different theoretical perspectives –psychosocial, humanistic, cognitive, socialcognitive, learning and environmental/contextual - and how these contribute to our
understanding of adolescent and adult development.
This module also introduces the student to Community-based Service Learning (CbSL)
and provides an opportunity to engage in a service learning relationship with a
community-based organisation. CbSL is a teaching and learning process which
encourages students to learn and explore issues vital to society, inside and outside the
classroom. Students learn from engaging with communities by active participation
through direct service, research, projects or advocacy. Academic staff guide students
through this process through structured reflection and the integration of theory and
practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
1. Understand the principles of lifespan development
2. Evaluate the key concepts, theories and research methods pertaining to this field of learning
3. Apply the findings of Psychology to selected topics in this area – e.g. principles of lifespan development;
continuity and change; physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development across the lifespan;
normative and individual difference in development; life transitions and mental health
4. Be familiar with current debates in Lifespan Psychology.
5. Relate content of the module to personal experience and real world situations.
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
PS4
PS7M Lifespan Development
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
Indicative Context
Key debates in lifespan development: Continuity vs. change, nature vs. nurture
Theories of development: Freud, Erikson, Rogers, Bronfenbrenner, Lerner, Maslow – contributions and criticisms
Adolescence: Physical, cognitive and socioemotional development
Adulthood: Relationships, parenting, midlife crisis
Late adulthood: Ageing, resilience, spirituality, death
Developmental disability across the lifespan
Culture and development across the lifespan
Reflecting on Community-based Service Learning
Assessment Breakdown
In-class test
Essay
CBSL project (literature review and presentation)
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Seminar
CBSL
Independent Learning
Assignment
%
10
30
60
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Discussion
Community based service learning
Self-directed reading and revision
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Assessment Date
Hours
24
1
10
90
Total Workload 125
Resources
Essential Book Resources
PS7M Lifespan Development
Core


Berger, K. S (2007). The Developing Person Through the Lifespan (6th Ed.). New York: Worth Publishers.
Dacey J S & and Travers J F (2004) Human Development Across the Lifespan. (6th Ed.). New York: McGrawHill.
Supplementary
 Berk L E (2006) Development Through the Lifespan (4th Ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
 Boyd D & Bee H. (2005) Lifespan Development. (4th. Ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
 Burman E (1994) Deconstructing Developmental Psychology. UK: Routledge.
 Jaan Valsiner (2000) Culture and Human Development. London: Sage Publications.
 Santrock J W (2006). Life-Span Development (10th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
 Santrock J W (2005) Adolescence. (10th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
 Sattler, D.N. (2000). Lifespan Development in Context : Voices and Perspectives. Boston : Houghton Mifflin.
 Sugarman L (2001) Lifespan Development: Theories, Concepts and Interventions. UK: Routledge.
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Additional reading will be assigned in class.
Other Resources
Class notes and other resources will be uploaded to Moodle.
Module Managers & Teachers
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Semester Two
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