Lifespan Psychology Module - Outline

10 Weeks x 2 hours per week

‘We are born, we grow up, we die! But what shapes us into the unique individual we become?’

Aims:

To provide a general introduction to psychological concepts, theories and application.

To explore some of the factors that affect us throughout our lives by looking at some of the experiences that are common to every human being.

To highlight some of the main approaches and debates within psychology, with the nature -v- nurture debate as a concurrent theme.

Assessment:

One written assignment using a topic of choice from the following list that reflects the impact of the nature-v-nurture debate from a psychological perspective.

Discuss the relative influence of human biology and the environment on child development

Discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of either Behaviourism or Psychoanalysis in explaining human behaviour

Discuss the relative impact of biological and the environmental theories in explaining mental health problems such as schizophrenia

If there is a topic from the module that is not covered by any of the above titles, that you would like to write an essay on, I will be happy to discuss this with you.

The assignment will need to demonstrate that it meets the following criteria in order to achieve credits at level three:

• The essay focuses on the essay title chosen

• It demonstrates a knowledge of the theories underpinning the topic chosen

• It demonstrates the correct use of the terminology from the topic chosen

• The theories are evaluated as to their relative strengths and weaknesses

• It is written in a clear and logical way i.e. introduction, a middle and a conclusion

• References are used to credit material taken from sources such as books or the internet

• A bibliography of all material used is provided

Last update April 2, 2001

© L.Cryer/Northern College 2000