The course aims to provide: a) a knowledge base on the theoretical and methodological aspects of research in developmental psychology; b) the fundamental notions relating to the psychological processes and mechanisms that regulate the main areas of individual development in the life cycle; c) the main risk and protective factors involved in individual developmental paths in a typical or atypical sense; d) the characteristics of the social contexts of development, from family to culture.

The course includes in-depth analysis of the following topics:

The first part includes:

- The Introduction to Developmental Psychology (Lectures 1-2)

- the research methods used within the discipline (Lectures 3-4)

A second part is dedicated to illustrating the main areas of individual development. In particular, the following areas will be addressed:

- prenatal development and birth (Lecture 5)

- physical, motor and perceptive development (Lecture 6)

- cognitive development (Lectures 7-8)

- development of intelligence (Lecture 9)

- language development (Lecture 10)

- emotional development, with particular attention to attachment theory and the importance of such bonds from childhood to adulthood (Lectures 11-12-13-14-15)

- identity development (Lecture 16)

- moral and social development (Lecture 17)

Finally, a third part is dedicated to the in-depth study of the social contexts of development, with particular reference (Lectures 18-19)

- to the family

- to equals

- to culture

There is no prerequisite

The student must show that they have:

Knowledge and understanding: the mastery of the theoretical and methodological knowledge of developmental psychology, with respect to the main areas of individual development in the life span
Applied knowledge and understanding (applying knowledge and understanding): the ability to recognize and understand the typical and atypical development profiles, detect the main phases of psychological development and the risk and protection factors linked to the relational context of an individual in the life span
Judgment autonomy (making judgements): the ability to use knowledge and concepts to reflect independently on specific topics of the discipline
Communication skills (communication skills): a technical language, relevant to the subject of study, in order to be able to communicate with specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.
Ability to learn (learning skills): Mastery and autonomy in choosing useful material for the purposes of one's ongoing professional training

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

There are no teaching support activities planned.

Teaching

Frontal lessons

Group exercises

Group discussions

Innovative teaching methods

• Use of the University's Moodle platform for uploading in-depth material (textual, audio or video);
• Use of the interactive platform Wooclap to stimulate the active participation of students and measure the level of understanding of the topics covered during the course.
• Use of the practice of "debate" to deal with some course topics and facilitate the development of critical thinking.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Course books

Santrock, J.W. (2021). PSICOLOGIA DELLO SVILUPPO. McGraw-Hill: Milano

Pallini, S. (2019). PSICOLOGIA DELL'ATTACCAMENTO: PROCESSI INTERPERSONALI E VALENZE EDUCATIVE. Milano, Franco Angeli. (Except chapter 10). 

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test lasting one hour and is composed of two parts:

- 15 closed multiple choice questions

- 5 open questions

Specific and in-depth knowledge of the topics is required, and the use of appropriate and specialized language.

The evaluation criteria are the following: 1) relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; 2) degree of articulation of the response; 3) adequacy of the language used.

The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 with honors).

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

In order to give non-attending students the opportunity to compensate for what is covered during the lessons with independent study, we recommend using all the materials included in the blended platform (slides, exercises, supplementary material) which are particularly useful for fully understanding the contents of the program.

Attendance

Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Course books

Santrock, J.W. (2021). PSICOLOGIA DELLO SVILUPPO. McGraw-Hill: Milano

Pallini, S. (2019). PSICOLOGIA DELL'ATTACCAMENTO: PROCESSI INTERPERSONALI E VALENZE EDUCATIVE. Milano, Franco Angeli. (Except chapter 10). 

Assessment

The exam consists of a written test lasting one hour and is composed of two parts:

- 15 closed multiple choice questions

- 5 open questions

Specific and in-depth knowledge of the topics is required, and the use of appropriate and specialized language.

The evaluation criteria are the following: 1) relevance and effectiveness of the answers in relation to the contents of the program; 2) degree of articulation of the response; 3) adequacy of the language used.

The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (from a minimum of 18 to a maximum of 30 with honors).

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.

Students who are out of course can bring their academic year program of attendance, but they are asked to communicate this to the teacher via email before the exam.
ERASMUS students can agree on personalized programs with the teacher and take the exam in Italian and/or English.