Typical and Atypical Development 1

Summary module description:
The module provides students with an integrated approach to the empirical study of human development. Topics in both typical and atypical development are covered. The teaching is topic-based, with groups of lectures organised into a list such as the following:
Cognitive development
Language development
Disorders of development

Aims:
The aims of the module are that the student should further their understanding of typical and atypical development, and how that development is studied.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
1. Show knowledge of theory and research in various aspects of typical and atypical human development.
2. Provide constructive critique of selected research studies from the literature.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain an appreciation of human psychological functioning at various stages in the lifespan.
Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of research methodology, and use of database and library resources, acquired in other modules, in this module.

Outline content:
TOPICS TO BE COVERED WILL BE SELECTED FROM A LIST SUCH AS THE FOLLOWING

Perceptual development
Social development
Language development
Memory development
Developmental theory
Global context:
Typical development informs the study of atypical development. In turn, both these large topic areas rely on, and interact with, fundamental methods and theories in the study of psychology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching will be by lecture, supported by online assignments set each week.
Each week's lecture will require reading and private study by the student.
Blackboard facilitites will include links to off-site multimedia, and a Discussion Board, for interactive off-line discussion between students and staff.

Summative Assessment Methods:
Set exercise 30%
Class test administered by School 70%

Other information on summative assessment:
This module is assessed by coursework (30%) and an end-of-term multiple choice test (70%).
Coursework involves continuous online assessment of students' understanding of the material covered in lectures.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall