Aims of the paper:
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 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 improve the quality of caring for others, and enhance the wellbeing of all members of society.

The perspective taken on this paper:
In this paper we take a ‘critical approach’. The major academic discipline resourced in this paper is Psychology. But Western developmental psychology is overwhelmingly North American in origin and provides a particular cultural story 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, which coexist with the Western story in New Zealand.

This paper is taught over a 12-week semester and is divided into a number of topics focusing on development across the lifespan. The paper is taught solely online with lecture content, recommended or additional readings, and online discussions or activities which all students are expected to contribute to each week.

In addition to the online taught content, there are weekly readings to complete. All readings are made available electronically and can be accessed from the Reading List for this paper. Your weekly readings should provide a base of content that will be further explored in the online discussions or activities and assignment work.

You will be expected to:

Participate in all online discussions;
Participate in group online activities, and the sharing of ideas and experiences;
Read in advance the relevant readings from the Reading List; and
Complete and submit all assessable tasks by the due date.

This paper is fully internally assessed. Please take the opportunity to ask questions about assessment tasks in your question and answer forum in Moodle. If you need additional help with assignments, please contact the Student Learning support staff.

What you are expected to do in your online discussions:

* Contribute to every discussion the required number of times, which is usually at least three

* Keep each contribution to around 150 words maximum

* Use discussion to clarify understandings and to engage critically and deeply with the theme, theory and issues presented in the paper

* Relate discussion to current (or future) teaching practice

What you should avoid doing:

* Please do not avoid the discussions, or post once and then disappear. These breach the intent of a discussion, indicate a lack of regard for our class community, and fall short of the minimum participation requirements for this paper

* Similarly, do not double post (2 consecutive posts, or posts very close together - these should be spread out during the course of the week such as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday leaving your weekends free for work - life balance. Posting your contributions over the weekend often limits the opportunity for reflection and response from others. The posts for each discussion must be completed by 11.30pm Sunday of the week in which the discussions occur.

* Do not post lengthy contributions or post without first reading what others have written

What to expect from your lecturers in our online discussions:

Lecturers aim to join in each discussion, meeting similar expectations to the students. In short, we aim to:

• Be there
• Be brief
• Respond
• Share our own stories when appropriate
• Promote deep and critical thinking (at times, we will play 'Devil's Advocate' in order to probe differing viewpoints)

Feedback on discussions will be given within the discussion so look out for lecturer comments on how the discussion is progressing.

We provide a range of student support services for both our Hamilton and Tauranga based students. The Accessibility Services staff support, students with impairments to be successful in their studies. The Student Learning team help all students acquire the skills, knowledge and attributes they need to be successful, independent, and self-directed learners.

In the Te Wānanga Toi TangataDivision of Education, additional support for students includes:

-Te Kura Toi Tangata mentoring unit is a roopū tautoko providing academic (eg. workshops), pastoral and procedural support to Faculty of Education Māori students. Our kaiāwhina have completed the work that you are doing and are familiar with the faculties and University. The Takawaenga Māori coordinates this roopū which includes kaiāwhina. We provide academic and course advice, help with degree planning, guidelines for writing in te reo Māori and scholarship application sign offs. We also organise events such as BBQ, Inter-school sports (Hakinakina) and wānanga for Faculty of Education. You will find us in TC1.02 & TC1.02A (near the grand piano). We are open Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, or get in touch at mentors@students.waikato.ac.nz, or by calling 07 838 4466 ext 6203.

-The Pacific Ako Academic Leader (PAAL) coordinates our academic and pastoral support and guidance for Pacific students in Te Wānanga Toi Tangata Division of Education and draws-from existing university services and resources for support. The two Pacific Ako “Navigators” are responsible for supporting postgraduate and undergraduate students’ academic and pastoral needs through course advice, writing support, critical research talanoa workshops, and other events. Please contactdfaavae@waikato.ac.nzfor further detail.