Ateneo - UPO

The course provides students with theoretical and methodological tools to understand human development across the entire lifespan, adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates cognitive, emotional, social, and moral dimensions. Particular attention is given to attachment theory, the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, and both typical and atypical developmental trajectories.

Woolfolk A., Usher E.L. (2024). Psicologia dell'educazione 15/Ed Teorie metodi e strumenti. Person Lancini M. (2020) Cosa serve ai nostri ragazzi. I nuovi adolescenti spiegati ai genitori, agli insegnanti agli adulti. UTET Fedeli D. Munaro С. (2019) Bullismo e Cyberbullismo. come intervenire nei contesti scolastici. Giunti Edu. All the books cited, the lecture slides that will be uploaded to the DIR, and any additional handouts are an integral part of the exam program

The course aims to provide students with fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge of the main perspectives on human development, with particular attention to cognitive, emotional, social, and moral domains. The course is designed to develop the skills necessary to observe, understand, and support developmental processes in educational settings, promoting professional interventions tailored to the individual and contextual characteristics of users.

No prerequisites are required.

The course will be delivered through lectures aimed at providing the theoretical foundations, complemented by discussions of clinical cases and applied examples. Direct interaction with the instructor will also be encouraged in order to foster active student participation and promote critical engagement with the course content.

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/services-students-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.

Student evaluation will be based on a written examination consisting of open-ended questions and multiple-choice items. This assessment format is designed to evaluate both the students’ ability to critically elaborate on course topics and their mastery of fundamental theoretical knowledge.

- Children and Adolescents 2.0: analysis of the social and relational context - Cognitive development: main theoretical approaches - Language and communication development - Emotional and social development and the construction of personal identity - Atypical development: special educational needs - Management of challenging behaviors in school and educational settings

Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire knowledge of the foundations of developmental psychology, with particular focus on the main developmental trajectories and milestones of psychological growth. They will also gain understanding of the functioning of different psychological domains (cognitive, communicative, social, and emotional) as they manifest in school settings and learning processes across developmental stages. Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to apply both theoretical and practical principles of the discipline to analyze and guide interventions within educational contexts, demonstrating competence in identifying and employing strategies tailored to specific developmental needs.