03079 - Developmental Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method and research designs in developmental psychology.

2. Differentiate key concepts and theories within developmental psychology with particular attention to the following fields: motor, communication, language, cognition, emotion and relational skills.

3. Know the phases of psychological development from the first years of life up to adolescence.

4. Illustrate differences among physical, psychological, and social frames of development.

5. Identify the basic psychological needs for developing well-being in infants, children and adolescents.

6. Recognize the complex interactions between risk and protective factors during development.

7. Develop theoretical and methodological competencies to build positive dyadic and group relationships.

8. Know observational tools and methodologies in educational settings.

9. Demonstrate skills in developing educational projects.

10. Use bibliographic sources to update the professional knowledge.

Course contents

Main theoretical approaches:

• Piaget
• Vygotskij
• Bruner
  

Methods:

• Research designs in Developmental Psychology
• Observation

Developmental domains:

• Communication and language
• Emotional and affective development
• Self-consciouness

Different contexts:

• Family
• School and peers
• Culture and new technology

Readings/Bibliography

Santrock J. W. (2017). Psicologia dello Sviluppo (terza ediz.). Milano: McGraw-Hill. Chapters: 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15

Teaching methods

Considered the health situation of the Country associated to the Coronavirus, and as established by the Degree Course Council, the lessons of this course will be held online on a specially dedicated platform.

The lectures will be supplemented by group discussion and short videos.

Assessment methods

Due to the Coronavirus emergency, and until normal teaching will be restored, exams will consist of an online oral exam through Microsoft Teams.

The exam will consist of three open questions. The maximum score for the exam is 30 with honors and 18/30 is the minimum score to pass the exam. Each answer will be evaluated with a score from 0 to a maximum of 10 points following these criteria: 1) completeness of responses; 2) consistency of the responses; 3) the ability of personal reflection; 4) appropriate lexicon and morphosyntax. 

To take the online oral exam you will need an active video camera, a working microphone and an identity card to show.

Depending on the number of students, the exam might take place over several days. The order of the students will correspond to the order of registration for the exam. On the day of the exam, students will be provided with more precise information about the day and time slot of the test.

Students have to enroll in the exam on Almaesami website.

If the student fails the exam, he/she can enroll in the next one.

Teaching tools

The lectures will be supported by the use of Power Point prasentations. Short videos related to the topics of the course will also be used. 

Office hours

See the website of Consuelo Mameli

See the website of Martina Benvenuti

See the website of Martina Benvenuti