Developmental Psychology

Course Description

Description
This course contributes to the profile of the Psychologist by analyzing the own processes related to the different evolutionary moments of humans throughout the life cycle, such as physical, psychomotor,  cognitive, affective and social development. This enables to interpret their behaviors and to optimize the development, by adapting interventions from this evolving reality.

Prerequisites
None.

Contents
UNIT 1. Human Development: Paradigms and evolving perspectives
Conceptualization of Developmental Psychology
Reference stages: Pregnancy, neonatal, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, adulthood and late adulthood.
Historical roots: Paradigms and theoretical approaches.
Research methods (Aims of this field)

UNIT 2. Prenatal and neonatal Development:
Prenatal stage.
Specific characteristics and neonatal assessment

UNIT 3. Early and middle childhood:
Physical and psychomotor development
Communication development, language, game and graphic

UNIT 4: Adolescence:
Physical and physiological changes
Cognitive and intellectual development
Psychosocial development

UNIT 5. Adulthood:
Physical and physiological changes
Cognitive and intellectual development
Psychosocial development

UNITE 6. Late Adulthood:
Physical and physiological changes
Cognitive and intellectual development
Psychosocial development

Methodology
- Professor: An indicative exposure of main concepts, by offering a generic view of each topic
- Indoor and outdoor class activities: Analysis and discussion by groups and individually about topics, issues, documentaries, TV ads, cases...etc. Group working, talks, presentations, field studies...etc.
- Individual readings
- Follow-up tutoring

Assessment
To evaluate the course, it will be taken into account:
- Class attendance, participation, reflection and assessment of practical activities. Recording and follow-up sheet linked to the Automotivation competence: 15% of the total grade
- Exam: multiple-choice test, 30 questions with 4 answer options with no penalty for wrong answers. Students are required to obtain 20 correct answers to pass. 40% of the total grade.
- Indoors class activities: 10% of the total grade. The student has to do at least 80% of these activities.
- Outdoor class activities: 35% of the total grade.