The course aims to introduce students to the knowledge and in-depth study of the main explanatory models of psychological development, understood as a complex and multidimensional process that spans the entire life cycle. The course intends to provide basic epistemological knowledge and methodological tools to understand the main developmental processes within the individual (motor, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, relational, moral development) and to stimulate reflection on how the individual and the environment interact in shaping the subject’s developmental trajectories and learning performance.
At the end of the course, it is expected that students will have acquired a solid foundation of basic knowledge regarding the main topics in developmental psychology and strengthened their ability to study in depth and to elaborate on the proposed texts.
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Teaching will be conducted mainly through lectures and interactive activities, in order to provide an appropriate framework for the theoretical and knowledge foundations of the discipline. Particular attention will also be given to discussion and direct dialogue with students, who, during classes, will be able to propose topics for further exploration or debate.
The exam includes a written test (duration: 120 minutes).
The written test consists of 5 open-ended questions, aimed at assessing the ability for critical elaboration.
The test is graded according to the following criteria:
for each of the first 4 questions (2 for part A and 2 for part B), from 0 to 7 points are awarded, according to the following parameters:
a) the relevance and correctness of the answer with respect to the question;
b) logical coherence in the presentation;
c) appropriate use of language.
The fifth question is worth 2 points and requires an independent intertextual line of reasoning starting from a topic of the student’s choice.
The maximum total score achievable in the written test is 30/30 (plus possible honours).
The assessment of Modules A and B therefore takes place in a single exam (on a single date). The published grade will refer to both modules (12 CFU in total). For the overall grade to be valid, it is necessary to reach a pass in both modules, that is, at least 8 points out of the 14 total points obtainable with the 2 questions referring to Module A and, likewise, at least 8 points out of the 14 total points obtainable with the 2 questions referring to Module B.
Any points obtained through the answer to the fifth intertextual question will be counted only if the overall pass threshold for the exam has been reached (18 points) through the answers to the first 4 questions (always with both modules passed).
In particular cases, and only if the professor deems it appropriate, the exam may include an oral component. The oral component cannot be requested by students.
The course will explore the following aspects in depth:
- Perceptual development
- Motor development
- Cognitive development
- Social and socio-cognitive development
- Emotional development
- Moral development
- The role of context in development
- Emotions, beliefs, Theory of Mind
- Learning performance, motivation, self-regulation, affective neuroscience
- Ecology of human development
1) All of the above applies to both attending and non-attending students.
2) Students for whom a PDP/PEI are invited to contact the professor, who may schedule an introductory meeting, in order to review the documentation and agree on the most appropriate examination arrangements. This meeting must take place no later than 15 days before the exam date.
3) Should the course be delivered in blended or distance mode, changes may be introduced with respect to what is stated in this syllabus in order to make the course and exams accessible also under these modalities.
4) For Erasmus students, under certain conditions and by email contact well in advance, it is possible to agree with the professor, to take the exam orally and in English.
