This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and theoretical approaches of the scientific field of Developmental Psychology. The course focuses on the study of the structures of human development, as well as on the processes of change and stability in behavior throughout the lifespan, from conception to death. Specifically, the course “Developmental Psychology I” focuses on exploring the processes and the contextual factors within which development takes place, covering the developmental period from the prenatal stage to middle childhood. Furthermore, the course aims to deepen students’ understanding of the core domains of development—physical, cognitive/linguistic, and socio-emotional—at each developmental stage under consideration. At the same time, it seeks to highlight the complexity and diversity of lived experiences that shape psychological development across different stages. Special emphasis is placed on understanding individual differences in developmental trajectories in relation to factors such as gender, cultural context, and early childhood experiences, emphasizing the significance of the interaction among biological, psychological, social, and cultural components in shaping human development.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

• understand methodological, research, and theoretical issues concerning human development within the framework of different schools of thought in Developmental Psychology;
• identify the core psychological functions associated with each developmental stage;
• recognize the diversity of life experiences that shape psychological development at each stage, with particular reference to the influence of gender and sociocultural context;
• understand specific issues such as the impact of early childhood experiences on human development.
  

• Application of knowledge in practice
• Search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information, using the necessary technologies
• Generation of new research ideas
• Respect for diversity and multiculturalism
• Demonstration of social, professional, and ethical responsibility and sensitivity to gender issues
• Promotion of free, creative, and inductive thinking

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

• History of Developmental Psychology
• Traditional and contemporary theories of development
• Research methodology in modern Developmental Psychology
• Prenatal development and childbirth
• Infancy and toddlerhood (physical, cognitive/linguistic, socio-emotional development, and personality development)
• Early childhood (physical, cognitive/linguistic, socio-emotional development, and personality development)
• Middle childhood (physical, cognitive/linguistic, socio-emotional development, and personality development)

The evaluation is conducted in Greek.

Written final examination includes:

• Multiple choice questions
• Short answer questions

Suggested Bibliography (Eudoxos)

1. Craig, G., & Dunn, W. (2021). Κατανοώντας την ανάπτυξη του ανθρώπου [Understanding human development] (P. Vorrias, Ed.). Papazisis. Eudoxus ID: 102076635
2. Berk, L. E. (2019). Αναπτυξιακή ψυχολογία: Η προσέγγιση της δια βίου ανάπτυξης [Developmental through the lifespan] (A. Maniadaki & E. Papastathopoulos, Eds.). Kritiki. Eudoxus ID: 86055484
3. Feldman, R. S. (2019). Αναπτυξιακή ψυχολογία. Δια βίου προσέγγιση [Development across the life span] (H. G. Bezevegis, Ed.). Gutenberg. Eudoxus ID: 86057171

Suggested Scientific Journals

• Child Development
• Developmental Psychology
• Infancy
• Infant and child development
• Journal of Experimental Child Psychology
• Developmental Science
• Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology
• Developmental Neuropsychology

Suggested Websites 

• European Association for Developmental Psychology: https://www.eadp.info/ 
• American Psychological Association: http://www.apa.org
• Hellenic Psychological Society: https://elpse.com/

https://eclass.uop.gr/courses/3941/