PLMDALSLT-Development Across the Lifespan for Speech and Language Therapy

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Pagnamenta
Email: e.pagnamenta@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on the biological, cognitive and social aspects of human development across the lifespan from infancy to old age. Students will be introduced to topics covering both typical development as well as developmental conditions such as autism and ADHD, and ageing conditions such as dementia. Students will be introduced to a range of historical and contemporary theories, along with relevant research, and learn how to critically evaluate these. This module is delivered at University of Reading.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to study and develop an understanding of how individuals change and develop from the neonatal period, throughout childhood, into adolescence and old age. As well as introducing students to theories and research in typical and neurodivergent development, the module also aims to apply these to a speech and language therapy context. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how individuals develop across the lifespan


• Critically evaluate a range of relevant theories, research and research methods in both typical development and developmental conditions and apply these to the speech and language therapy context

Additional outcomes:

• Ability to communicate clearly in written work


• Appreciation of research ethics

Outline content:

The module will cover a range of topics, drawing on the research specialisms of teaching staff wherever possible. Topics to be covered include:

1. Early infancy: perceptual and conceptual development 


2. Early language development: speech sounds and first words.


3. Cognitive development and reasoning: pre-school years


4. Cognitive development and reasoning: middle childhood


5. Literacy and numeracy 


6. Social development and theory of mind


7. Developmental conditions: e.g. Autism, William’s syndrome, Down’s syndrome


8. The self and adolescence 


9. Healthy ageing


10. Age-related changes

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how developmental psychology, cognition and individual differences can be context-bound.  Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate international similarities and differences within the fields.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will involve a range of methods including:

• Large group lectures


• Small group workshops and seminars


• Guided independent reading

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	26
Preparation for seminars	10
Revision and preparation	20
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Class test administered by School	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed via a classroom test at the end of the Autumn term (100%).

Formative assessment methods:

The seminars in the Autumn term will also provide opportunities to get formative feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be via a written examination in the August resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required textbooks: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear, or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation, and subsistence: None

Last updated: 7 September 2023