Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence, 6 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After the course, the student shall be able to:

• identify and describe the principles of developmental psychology,
• identify, describe and compare central theories within developmental psychology, and apply these to explain the development of children and adolescents,
• describe the general development of children and adolescents with respect to psychological functions (e.g., perception, sensory motor development, cognitive and socio-emotional abilities, temperament/personality, communication and languages),
• account for different research designs within developmental psychology,
• describe individual deviations from typical development that are unique for early development, from the prenatal period and through adolescence,
• apply basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods to evaluate empirical studies.

Competence and skills
After the course, the student shall be able to:

• apply major developmental theories to explain development from conception through infancy, childhood and adolescence,
• describe how child and adolescent development depends on contextual factors such as culture, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status,
• provide examples of how knowledge from developmental psychology may be of importance for the future profession,
• apply the style of APA (6) in written text.

Comprehension and approach
After the course, the student shall be able to apply a professional and scientific approach.

Content

The course provides an introduction to developmental psychology, emphasizing childhood and adolescent development from a lifespan perspective. Of central interest is the physical, cognitive, and emotional development, and how it relates to children and adolescents' social relationships with legal guardians, peers, friends and romantic partners. The course further covers sexual development and how and why typical developmental problems (depression, delinquency, eating disorders) arise.

Examinations and grades

Developmental Psychology: Child and Adolescence 1, 5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Developmental Psychology: Child and Adolescence 2, 1 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

In accordance with university regulations on grading systems for first and second-cycle courses and study programmes (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades is to be used: fail (U), pass (G) or pass with distinction (VG). For courses included in an international master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the A to F grading scale is to be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by them, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds for doing so.

The grades used on this course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the course as a whole, a minimum of grade E, or G where applicable, is required for all components on the course. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also taking into account the number of credits for each module in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the examination assignments included on the course.

Modes of assessment

Developmental Psychology: Child and Adolescence 1, 5 credits (Sample code: A003)
Written exam

Developmental Psychology: Child and Adolescence 2, 1 credit (Sample code: A004)
Oral examination
Attendance and performance is compulsory. Absence from this examination may be compensated through attendance at a follow-up seminar and/or complementary assignments provided by the course director.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other modes of assessment.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements for university studies.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Berk, E. Laura., 2013/Latest edition
Child Development
Boston, NY: Pearson.

Additional literature in the form of empirical articles may be added to the list of required reading.