Course Description
This course explores the ecology of human development, or the complex interaction of a constantly changing organism and the environment.You will be introduced to theory related to the ecology of human development (i.e. normative physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development, and the impact of culture on each).

You will be encouraged to practice the language of psychology  in order to carry out academic social research. In studying this subject you will be given the opportunity to reflect on the notion that even though individuals and groups of individuals differ from one another, some ideas, values and behaviours may be universally shared by humans in all cultures (e.g. the capacity to learn a language, raise children and fall in love!) In particular, you will apply this reflective process to your own experience of cultural development in Italy. This course is ideal for students majoring in psychology, education, or for those who wish to carry out independent study.

All the people like us are WE, and everyone else is THEY;

And THEY live over the sea, while WE live over the way.

But – would you believe it? – They look upon WE as only a sort of THEY.

- Rudyard Kipling

Course Material

Mandatory course reader including:
Segall, Dasen, Berry, Poortinga (1999) Human Behaviour in Global Perspective. London:
De Vijver and Leung (1997) Methods and Data Analysis for Cross-Cultural Research.  London:  Sage.
Matsumoto, J (2004) Culture and Psychology. CA: Wadsworth
McGhee, P. (1989) Humour and Children’s Development.  London:  Haworth Press.
Frankl, V. (1984) Man’s Search for Meaning. NY: Simon & Schuster.