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    Overview

    Development of human behaviour.

    This paper is concerned with the development of human behaviour, with an emphasis on social and cognitive development from infancy to old age. Theories of development are introduced in the context of topics such as the emergence of a concept of self, attachment, theory of mind, peer relations, prosocial and antisocial behaviour and autism. We will examine the implications of research in development for applied questions such as the effects on children of television, parenting and childcare.

    About this paper

    Paper title Developmental Psychology
    Subject Psychology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    PSYC 210 and PSYC 211 and PSYC 212
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Eligibility

    With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in each of PSYC 210 and 212 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 211.

    With departmental approval, a student who has achieved a grade of at least B+ in PSYC 211 may take no more than one of PSYC 313-328 concurrently with PSYC 210 and 212.

    Contact

    ted.ruffman@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff
    Professor Ted Ruffman
    Paper Structure

    The paper will cover:

    • The emergence of the self-concept
    • Attachment
    • Theory of mind
    • Peer relations
    • Prosocial and antisocial behaviour
    • Autism
    • Applied developmental psychology
    • Other life-span topics from conception to old age

    Assessment: The final mark consists of 50% internal assessment (one mid-semester test and one report on research done in class at 25% each) and a final exam worth 50%.

    Terms: A student who completes fewer than 50% of the assignments in a paper will not meet terms and may not sit the final examination in that paper.

    Teaching Arrangements
    One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour lecture per week.
    Textbooks

    Required Reading:

    Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective (2nd Edition). Available from PSYC318 Blackboard.

    Course materials will be available through Blackboard.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Communication, Critical thinking, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete the paper will develop knowledge of many aspects of development from conception through to old age, with particular emphasis on cognitive development and social understanding.

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 10:00-11:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    Friday 10:00-10:50 9-12, 15-22

    Terms Test (Streamed)

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 19:00-20:50 18
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