The course intends to deepen developmental psychology and its extensions to lifespan. Starting from the classical theories of development, the course will focus on the neuroconstructivist perspective to deal with the development of the human mind. Within this vision, development is understood as the result of continuous interactions between genetics, neural structures and the environment.

Development will also be treated from a life cycle perspective, that is extended to the aging phase. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of brain plasticity that accompanies all stages of life, and that of cognitive and cerebral reserve in aging.

The course is divided into the following parts:

- The development of the mind according to classical theories

- The neuroconstructivist approach and the contribution of developmental cognitive neuroscience

- Cognitive aging and neuroplasticity in the perspective of the life cycle

The course requires the basic knowledge of Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

At the end of the course the student is able to show the following skills:
- Ability to orient oneself among the main development theories
- Knowledge of the neuroconstructivist approach to the study of cognitive development
- Knowledge of the progress made by neuroscience in the last 30 years and critical reading of the empirical evidence with respect to the various theories of development
- Understanding of the cognitive and neurophysiological changes observed during aging and knowledge of brain neuroplasticity

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Approximately halfway through the course, formative tests are scheduled for all students (attending and nonattending), aimed at helping the student to monitor his or her learning level and support the mode of study and expression of knowledge and skills; the schedule and mode will be communicated at the beginning of the course both in class and via Blended platform.

Teaching

Frontal lectures, films, interactive teaching activities

Innovative teaching methods

Teaching activities also include theoretical-practical classroom work and exercises

Attendance

Attendance is optional but is highly recommended

Course books

Macchi Cassia V., Valenza E. & Simion F. (2012). Lo sviluppo della mente umana. il Mulino.

Bisiacchi P. & Vallesi A (Eds). (2017). Il cervello al lavoro. il Mulino. (Capitoli 10 and 11)

Barone L. (Ed.) (2009). Manuale di Psicologia dello sviluppo (Second edition). Carocci Editore (Capitoli 4 and 8)

For further study: Dehaene S. (2019). Imparare. Il talento del cervello, la sfida delle macchine. Raffaello Cortina Editore. Denes G. (2016). Plasticità cerebrale. Come cambia il cervello nel corso della vita. Carocci Editore. 

Assessment

Written test with 15 multiple choice questions + 2 open questions.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Students should refer to the study texts and slides. There are no differences from what is provided for attending students

Course books

Macchi Cassia V., Valenza E. & Simion F. (2012). Lo sviluppo della mente umana. il Mulino.

Bisiacchi P. & Vallesi A (Eds). (2017). Il cervello al lavoro. il Mulino. (Capitoli 10 and 11)

Barone L. (Ed.) (2009). Manuale di Psicologia dello sviluppo (Second edition). Carocci Editore. (Capitoli 4 and 8)

For further study: Dehaene S. (2019). Imparare. Il talento del cervello, la sfida delle macchine. Raffaello Cortina Editore. Denes G. (2016). Plasticità cerebrale. Come cambia il cervello nel corso della vita. Carocci Editore. 

Assessment

Written test with 15 multiple choice questions + 2 open questions.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.