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PSYC 218

I. Course Title: Adolescent Psychology

II. Course Number: PSYC 218

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121

V. Course Description: 

Introduces students to major topics in the study of human adolescent development, with a focus on issues relating to emotional, social, physical, personality and cognitive development in adolescents.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include: 

  1. History, science, and nature of adolescent development
  2. Puberty, health, and biological foundations of adolescence 
  3. Brain and cognitive development during adolescence 
  4. Development of the self, identity, emotion, and personality 
  5. Gender identity and sexual development
  6. Moral development, values, and religion
  7. Families & peers, romantic relationships, and lifestyles
  8. Schools and achievement, work, and careers
  9. Adolescence and mental health
  10. Cross-cultural perspectives on adolescence and emerging adulthood

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.  

  • Lecture
  • Online content, activities, and assignments
  • Individual and group presentations 
  • Individual and collaborative research activities
  • Community-based projects
  • Video instruction
  • Instructor-led class discussions
  • Small-group discussions
  • Informal writing activities
  • Written and critical thinking assignments
  • Group activities
  • Case studies
  • Guest speakers
  • Journals or class blogs 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe issues influencing child and adolescent development and behavior.
  2. Describe physical changes and their impact on the child and adolescent.
  3. Summarize the implications of early and late maturation for females and males.
  4. Explain the significance of the development of identity during adolescence.
  5. Identify factors related to gender identity and sex role identity in adolescents.
  6. Explain the family’s role in the development of identity.
  7. Summarize the cognitive abilities of children and adolescents.
  8. Articulate the relationship between cognitive development and moral development.
  9. Characterize the nature of peer group influence during adolescence.
  10. Recognize factors that influence drug/alcohol use, school drop-out, delinquency, suicide, and depression on adolescents.
  11. Explain factors related to sexual development and sexuality during adolescence.
  12. Articulate the role of vocational goals and vocational choices and their influence on identity and adjustment.
  13. Describe common psychological and psychophysiological problems and their treatment among adolescents.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

  • Examinations (Objective and essay questions)
  • In-class or out-of-class quizzes
  • Student presentations
  • In-class discussion and participation
  • Written assignments/projects
  • Evaluation of research
  • In-class application assignments
  • Online assignments
  • Group participation
  • Class attendance

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

September 2001 Updated and put in new format Alastair V. E. Harris

March 01, 2021