512-380 Personal and Social Development 3

512-221 (or equivalent)

512-220 (or equivalent)

This subject examines personal and social development in its social and cultural contexts (eg. family, school, work, and community). A range of theoretical perspectives on personal and social development are considered including sociogenetic, dialectical, transactional and psychosocial models. Methodological problems involved in the study of development are analysed, with attention focused on issues of change and stability within persons, variability between persons, interpersonal relationships, and person-culture exchanges. Topics will be selected from developmental tasks; relationships with parents, children and peers; development of self and identity; transition points and rites of passage; processes leading to emotional and behavioural adjustment and maladjustment; and development in specific cultural contexts (eg. indigenous, migrant, Anglo-Australian).

The subject is designed to give students opportunity to develop both: generic skills related to their self directed management of their own learning, and problem-solving related to: summarising, analysing and integrating material from different sources [written, computerised, verbal, practical]; specific skills related to the domain of study - developmental psychology - in the analysis of prior research and theory; in conducting and analysing developmentally-oriented interview; and in administering and analysing a life structure diagram on the computer.

A case study report (40%) and a two-hour examination (60%).

Each piece of assessment must be completed (hurdle requirement).

Attendance at 80% or more of the laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirement, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.