Identity Development Across the Life Span

lpsys2415  2023-2024  Louvain-la-Neuve

Identity Development Across the Life Span
4.00 credits
30.0 h
Q1

  This learning unit is not being organized during year 2023-2024.

Teacher(s)
Barbot Baptiste;
Language
Main themes
This course address critical themes that are relevant to the development of identity throughout the lifespan, using a range of theoretical approaches and a developmental perspective at its core. Building upon classic theories and empirical evidences, it will touch upon a range of topics and “layers” of one’s identity, including dimensions of personal vs. social identity, the development of personality, possible selves, or gender and sexual identity. The course will also discuss new settings for the formation of identity, including technological and social media innovations which greatly shape the way new generations of youth address their developmental task. While doing so, the course will outline the continuous nature of the construction of the self and identity, a lifelong developmental process on which people have agency. 
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 Students will have a better understanding of theoretical and scientific approaches to identity formation, as well as the keys to apply this knowledge in their future professional life. 
Learning outcomes : A, B, C, E
 
Content
Overview
This course addresses critical themes that are relevant to the development of identity throughout the lifespan, using a range of theoretical approaches and a developmental perspective at its core. Building upon classic theories and empirical evidences, it will touch upon a range of topics and “layers” of one’s identity, including dimensions of personal vs. social identity, the development of personality, possible selves, or gender and sexual identity. The course will also discuss new settings for the formation of identity, including technological and social media innovations which greatly shape the way new generations of youth address their developmental task. While doing so, the course will outline the continuous nature of the construction of the self and identity, a lifelong developmental process on which people have agency.
Specific topics (subject to change)
Session
Themes
S2
Who am I? – An introduction to the constructs of Self and Identity
S3
Identity Development Across the Life Cycle: Key Insights from Lifespan Perspectives.
S4
Self-Consciousness and the development of Self-concepts
S5
Intersectionality of identity: a focus on gender, sexual, racial/ethnic identities and their interactions 
S6
Digital identit(ies) and the Self
S7-S8
Identity, Integrity, Quest: Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stage Model of Identity Construction.
S9-10
Neo-Eriksonian models.
S11
Identity formation as a creative process
S12
Migration and European identity
S13
The impact of chronic illness on identity formation during adolescence and young adulthood
S14
Review / Q & R
Teaching methods
Lectures (including guest-lectures)
Group discussions
Class activities
Evaluation methods
The evaluation for this course consists of two cumulative parts:
  • Individual final examination (60%): a final examination including multiple choice questions (30 items with 4 answer options. One point is awarded for each correct answer and no points are awarded for no answer or incorrect answer) / 10 short answers questions touching upon all the knowledge-based content covered in the course, as well as a short case conceptualization (2h).
  • Group work (40%): by groups of 2 to 4, students will prepare a maximum 10min “capsule” presenting and discussing a topic of their choosing (in agreement with the instructor) relevant to any identity issue (e.g., Religious identity and terrorism; Belgitude)
More information on the evaluation modalities will be provided in class.
Other information
This course is given in English but in an “French-friendly” format. For details, please see below.
  • The course is given in English
  • The core reading for the course is in English.
  • The standard exam is a written exam in English. However, students taking this course:
    • will be allowed to use a dictionary when taking the written exam in English
    • Are provided with the opportunity to provide written response to the exam either in English or French
    • Are provided with the opportunity to present the group work either in English or French
Bibliography
Mandatory readings will be provided via Moodle and in class. Readings listed here are recommended references to further support the foundations of this course.
  • Kroger, J. (2006). Identity development: Adolescence through adulthood. Sage publications.
  • Lannegrand-Willems, L. (2014). Chapitre 4. La construction de l’identité. In M. Claes & L. Lannegrand-Willems (Eds.), La psychologie de l’adolescence. Presses de l’Université de Montréal.
  • Schwartz, S.J., Luyckx, K., & Vignoles V. L. (eds.). (2011). Handbook of Identity Theory and Research. Springer. https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-1-4419-7988-9.pdf
Faculty or entity
EPSY


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Psychology

Master [120] in Education (shift schedule)