SPEDB005 Psychology of Lifelong Development

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Bohumíra Lazarová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Bohumíra Lazarová, Ph.D.
Department of Educational Sciences – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. et Mgr. Adéla Zajíčková
Supplier department: Department of Educational Sciences – Faculty of Arts
Prerequisites
SPEDB003 General Psychology
Life course psychology
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the knowledge of the psychology of lifelong development and to show the importance of this discipline for pedagogical practice.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students: - will be able to discuss the subject of psychology of lifelong development (developmental, ontogenetic psychology), - will know the laws of "normal" development, - will know and understand the role of factors of development - the biological and social nature of development, - will be familiar with some concepts of development according to selected authors - will be able to discuss the lifelong concept of development - life-span theory and discuss it in relation to classical views on the development of the human psyche, - will be able to describe and discuss the main developmental tasks for individual age stages, - will be aware of the variability and individual character of the development of the human psyche.
Syllabus
  • 1. The subject of lifelong development psychology. The concepts of developmental and ontogenetic psychology. The concept of ontogenesis and phylogenesis. Phylogenetic and anthropogenetic concepts. A comparative view - ethology and sociobiology. 2. Specific methods and approaches to research in developmental psychology. Methods applicable in pedagogical practice. 3. Main concepts - development, growth, maturation and learning. Sensitive periods, processes applied in the process of development (differentiation, integration ...). Developmental phases and crises. 4. Laws of development. What people have in common in development and how they differ. Factors of development. Ecological model. 5. Theories of development of the human psyche - the main representatives of holistic or functional theories (Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Havighurst, etc.). The importance of theories for pedagogical practice. 6. "Modern" lifespan theories (Baltes, life course theory, control theory..). Stimuli and triggers of change. 7. Archaic and traditional concept of developmental stages according to various authors - periodization of development and its significance. 8. Mental development in the prenatal period and in early childhood. Contemporary risks. 9. Mental development (cognitive processes, emotional and social development) in the school period. Application of the theory to pedagogical practice. Developmental disorders. Drawing and play in childhood - their significance. 10. Mental development in adolescence and risks of adolescence. Identity. Adolescents in today's society. 11. Emerging adulthood and adulthood. Changes in the lives of young adults in today's society (fertility, partnerships, family forms...). Learning processes in adulthood. Crisis in adulthood. 12. Aging processes and stages in old age. Regular and probabilistic changes in old age. Age management and active aging.
Literature
  • ŘÍČAN, Pavel. Cesta životem : vývojová psychologie. 4., doplněné vydání. Praha: Portál, 2021, 399 stran. ISBN 9788026217831. info
  • MILLOVÁ, Katarína. Krátké uvedení do psychologie celoživotního vývoje (Brief introduction to life-span psychology). In Blatný, Marek. Psychologie celoživotního vývoje. Vydání první. Praha: Karolinum, 2016, p. 17-21. ISBN 978-80-246-3462-3. info
  • THOROVÁ, Kateřina. Vývojová psychologie : proměny lidské psychiky od početí po smrt. Vydání první. Praha: Portál, 2015, 575 stran. ISBN 9788026207146. info
  • MILLOVÁ, Katarína. Psychologie celoživotního vývoje : uvedení do moderních teorií. 1. vyd. Brno: Host, 2012, 126 s. ISBN 9788072946990. info
  • Perspektivy stárnutí : z pohledu psychologie celoživotního vývoje. Edited by Peter Gruss. Vyd. 1. Praha: Portál, 2009, 222 s. ISBN 9788073676056. info
  • LANGMEIER, Josef and Dana KREJČÍŘOVÁ. Vývojová psychologie. 2., aktualizované vydání. Praha: Grada, 2006, 368 stran. ISBN 9788024712840. URL info
  • VÁGNEROVÁ, Marie. Vývojová psychologie. Vyd. 1. V Praze: Karolinum, 2005, 467 s. ISBN 9788024609560. info
  • VÁGNEROVÁ, Marie. Vývojová psychologie. 2. vyd. Praha: Karolinum, 1999, 353 s. ISBN 8071848034. info
  • SCHMIDT, Hans-Dieter. Obecná vývojová psychologie. Vyd. 1. Praha: Academia, 1978, 411 s. info
Teaching methods
Přednášky, diskuse, flipped learnig.
Assessment methods
Written test.
Language of instruction
Czech
Study support
https://elf.phil.muni.cz/
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
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