Aims of the course
In this paper we will introduce some key theories and research relating to patterns of human growth and development from before birth until late adulthood. The context of Aotearoa New Zealand is emphasised, including the influence of family/whānau, education and other social settings, peers and mass media. We believe it is important to recognise how ideas about development change over time, and how different ideas can compete with each other, for example, about the rights and responsibilities of children and adults in contemporary society. Different ways of thinking about human development serve different social and political purposes, and some have more power and influence than others. We acknowledge the diversity of beliefs within many contemporary societies, and at the same time we are interested in thinking about what ways of living seem most likely to promote social justice, improve the quality of caring for others, and enhance the wellbeing of all members of society.

The perspective taken on this course
In this paper we take a ‘critical approach’. The major academic discipline used in this course is Psychology. But Western developmental psychology is overwhelmingly North American in origin and provides a particular cultural story – rather than ‘the truth’ – about human development. We therefore discuss how and why particular stories about development change in a particular society over time, and also consider alternative stories of development, particularly insights from Māori culture, that coexist with the Western story in Aotearoa New Zealand. This course is underpinned by the notion that while mainstream theory and research aims to understand universal patterns, lifespan development is heavily contingent on context (i.e., time, place, and culture).

This course is taught over a 12 week trimester. There are two face-to-face lectures - one in the first week and the other halfway through the trimester. For each of the other weeks, a pre-recorded lecture will be provided and you will have some associated activities to complete after you have engaged with the lecture. Most weeks there will be a face-to-face tutorial session. It is expected that you attend ALL face-to-face sessions, and that you will engage with the pre-recorded lectures.

This is a Level 1 paper worth 15 points towards your degree, and University regulations stipulate an expected total workload of 150 hours. Your should attend the two hour lecture (weeks 1 and 7), engage with the online lectures and associated activities (all other weeks), and attend a two hour tutorial session each week (as scheduled). This leaves an average of 8 hours per week of out-of-class work (for organisation of lecture notes, additional reading, preparation of assignments, etc.). Keep these expectations in mind and organise your study time effectively.