Contemporary Topics in Child Development (C8851)
Contemporary Topics in Child Development and Wellbeing
Module C8851
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module will shine a critical, scientific perspective onto contemporary topics in child development, wellbeing and psychopathology that we often see covered in the popular lay press. Emphasising recent empirical work and covering appropriate theoretical approaches, lectures will include coverage of a broad range of topics covering infancy up to adolescence and with a focus on both children and caregivers. Example lecture topics which may be covered include content such as trends in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, the impact of nature and adventurous play on wellbeing and development, empathy development, psychological effects of social media, and screen time (e.g. TV, video games), mindsets and academic achievement, and wellbeing and development of looked after and vulnerable children.
Full Module Description
This module will shine a critical, scientific perspective onto contemporary topics in child development, wellbeing and psychopathology that we often see covered in the popular lay press. Emphasising recent empirical work and covering appropriate theoretical approaches, lectures will include coverage of a broad range of topics covering infancy up to adolescence and with a focus on both children and caregivers. Example lecture topics which may be covered include content such as trends in child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, the impact of nature and adventurous play on wellbeing and development, empathy development, psychological effects of social media, and screen time (e.g. TV, video games), mindsets and academic achievement, and wellbeing and development of looked after and vulnerable children.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an up-to-date detailed knowledge and awareness of some of the major contemporary issues in child development and wellbeing and identify areas where the knowledge base is most/least secure
Be able to critically evaluate empirical research about a range of contemporary issues related to child development and wellbeing
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 40.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Log | T2 Week 9 (1 hour) | 75.00% |
| Portfolio | T2 Week 11 | 25.00% |
| Essay (2000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 60.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Kathryn Lester
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/214966
Dr Helen Drew
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/83668
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