The module will begin with a general introduction to lifespan approaches and subsequently address the following areas incorporating multiple perspectives on each topic (biological/medical, cognitive, developmental, psychodynamic, social, humanistic and other prominent approaches, focusing specifically on bio-psychosocial approaches):
• Development in early childhood.
• Relationship between brain development and attachment in infancy.
• Childhood development influences on later life.
• Early socialisation.
• Cognitive development and learning in middle/later childhood.
• Social factors: education, gender roles and gender stereotypes, child abuse, and children in care.
• Theories of adolescence: identity and transitions, biological, emotional, social and cultural influences in adolescence
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
BA (Hons) Social Work
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (3000 words) – 100%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Beckett C. & Taylor H., (2016) Human growth and development, 3rd edn. London: Sage.
Fawcett M. (2009) Learning through child observation, London: Jessica Kingsley.
Gibson, A. and Gibson, N. (2015) Human Growth, Behaviour and Development, London: Sage.
Howe D. (2011). Attachment across the lifecourse: a brief introduction, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Parrish M., (2014) Social work perspectives on human behaviour, 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Sudbery J. (2010) Human growth and development: an introduction for social workers, London: Routledge.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Show a basic understanding of a lifespan approach to human development, and transitions in development
8.2 Recognise the relevance of different underlying psychological and physiological perspectives to understanding individual human
development and behaviour
8.3 Identify the complexity of hereditary, social, political, cultural, economic and environmental factors that influence human development and
their interactions
8.4 Demonstrate understanding of diversity and difference in conjunction with knowledge of particular life-span models.
8.5 Examine the intersection of psychological theories and social factors with issues of discrimination, disadvantage, inequality and injustice
8.6 Demonstrate understanding of connections between lifespan models and social work interventions and theories
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate basic skills in gathering, organising, evaluating and synthesising information in a clear and coherent manner.
9.2 Take into account different perspectives and assess reliability and relevance of information gathered.
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