Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to provide a basic knowledge of the main issues dealt with by Psychology of Development as a science, addressing both theoretical foundations and methodological aspects. Particular attention will be given to some key concepts concerning issues such as continuity and discontinuity of development, relationships between biological predispositions and social interactions. Consideration will be given to the development of the main psychological functions in the life cycle perspective, and in particular the neuronal aspects, motions, cognitive, emotional, social, linguistic and moral aspects of both typical and atypical development.

Exam text:

1) Russo Fabrizio e Ciocca Federica, Elementi di psicotraumatologia e psicopatologia dello sviluppo, Celid, 2023.

2) Russo F., Manuale di sessuologia, Celid, 2021.

3) Course notes

The student will need to know the main theoretical and methodological orientations of development models in the life cycle of the individual and the phases of neuronal, motor, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development from child to adult, observing resources and criticality. He must also know the aspects of continuity and discontinuities that characterize development, especially childhood, childhood and adolescence.
At the end of the course, the student should be able to use the knowledge gained to link the different topics discussed.

Prerequisites are not required.

Frontal lesson, participatory lesson, thematic seminars, work in small groups. Attendance of face-to-face lessons is recommended.

The teacher receives the students, upon agreement by email: fabrizio.russo@uniupo.it

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Written test with multiple choice questions on the reference texts and course handouts

The course includes two parts. In the first part we provide an overview of the main reference theoretical guidelines, methods and tools of Development Psychology. The main factors of the neural, motor, cognitive, affective / relational, social and moral development of the child will be analyzed and their structure will be shaped to form the identity of the person.
In the second part, some thematic nodes will be analyzed within the developmental psychology: parenting and co-parenthood, maltreatment and abuse, and psychology of trauma.

Students must demonstrate that they have developed useful knowledge, communicative abilities and learning skills that are the foundation of knowledge inherent in the main issues of Development Psychology.
They must be able to understand the points of contact, development or contrast that exist in the various theories. They must have acquired competence over the main psychological characteristics of the child, the teenager, the adul.
They need to develop an awareness of the contributions that Psychology of Development offers to those who work in the psychosocial field.