48927 - Psychology of Social Development

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students have acquired: - knowledge on the main approaches to the development of social competence; - knowledge on the main methods of research and intervention on socialization through the life span; - skills in evaluation of effectiveness of research and interventions on socialization through the lifespan; - skills for designing and implementing interventions targeted to individuals and groups aimed at promoting socialization through the life span.

Course contents

The course aims at providing an in-depth insight into the preocesses of socialization and social development.

The lectures will cover the following topics:

• theory of mind (typical and atypical development)
• empathy and pro-sociality
• aggressive behaviour and bullying
• development of social cognition: gender identity, stereotyping and prejudice, racial prejudice
• media influences, sexual objectification, and sexism
• home environment and academic learning: home literacy and home numeracy.

Individual and group works will be dedicated to the discussion of assessment tools and intervention programs.

Readings/Bibliography

• Gini, G. (2012). Psicologia dello sviluppo sociale. Bari: Laterza. Disponibile anche in e-book.
• Grusec, & Hastings (2007). Handbook of socialization: Theory and research. New York; London: Guilford press. ONLY chapters:
  

1. Historical Overview of Socialization Research and Theory 3

23. The Socialization of Gender during Childhood and Adolescence 541

26. Families, Schools, and Developing Achievement‑Related Motivations
and Engagement 614

9. Socialization in the Context of Family Diversity 202

12. Media as Agents of Socialization 276

 

AVAILABLE AS E-BOOK AT THE DEPARTMENT LIBRARY.

Teaching methods

The course will include both plenary lectures and small-group or individual work sessions. in particular, individual and group works will be devoted to the analysis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning the main topics of the course program.

Assessment methods

Oral assessment will consist of three questions on topics covered over the course. 

Students will be asked to display thorough knowledge of the core topics of the course, and should be able to base their answers on well-grounded empirical evidence.

Evaluation criteria:

• 10 points: complete answer
• 8-9 points: correct answer, with incomplete or imprecise information
• 6-7 points: sufficient answer, with significant contents missing or incorrect
• 3-5 points: incorrect or markedly incomplete answer
• 0-2 points: missing or markedly inconsistent answer

Teaching tools

Slides will be made available via the web platform Studenti Online (link on this page)

Office hours

See the website of Carlo Tomasetto