Psychology From a Lifespan Perspective, 4.5 credits

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• describe development (biological, cognitive, socio-emotional) from birth to adult age, as well as changes with regard to these aspects in human aging
• account for basic developmental theories regarding childhood and adolescence, adulthood and aging
• describe and compare different theories concerning biological, cognitive and socio-emotional development from birth to aging
• review descriptions of development critically, based on both traditional as well as modern theories and based on a diversity perspective
• carry out an observation-based or interview-based assignment relevant for the field, and integrate empirical findings with theoretical knowledge in the area

The course gives knowledge of psychological development during the life span from fertilisation to adult age as well as psychological changes during aging. The developmental process is seen as an interaction between biological as well as psychological and psychosocial and social factors. The course intends to provide knowledge in modern developmental psychology where psychodynamic, cognitive, neuropsychological and socio-psychological factors are treated with an ambition to give an overall view of development as a composite and during the whole life ongoing process. The developmental process is mainly described from a so-called normality perspective, but some problem perspectives are also treated.

The teaching is given as lectures, seminars, group assignments and practical assignments. All teaching activities except lectures are compulsory unless otherwise stated on the schedule.

In case of absence from a compulsory teaching activity, the student is responsible for contacting the course coordinator for complementary assignment. The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Examination takes place partly in the form of an individual written examination, partly in the form of a group assignment around observation-/interview assignment that includes a group report and oral presentation at a seminar. The written examination is graded anonymously (using a identification code number for each student).

Students who do not pass the written examination are entitled to five more examination occasions, the first within fourteen days of the notification of the exam result. The third examination is the following regular examination in the course. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.

Examination can be carried out according to an earlier literature list during a period of one year after the date of a renewal of the literature list. Examination will be provided during a period of two years after a possible closing of the course.

The course is carried out in full of the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, where all teaching in the course is also given. Course evaluation will be carried out according to the guidelines that are established by the Board of Education and is mainly web-based.