For students seeking a degree in secondary education and/or psychology. Examines the major areas of adolescent behavior and development including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Among the topics included are: the theoretical construct of adolescent, the physical and cognitive development of the adolescent, the social structure surrounding the adolescent, the transitions from upper elementary to middle school and then to high school, the personality development of the adolescent, the psycho-sexual development of the adolescent, as well as the psychological issues facing the adolescent.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- To understand the social, biological, emotional and cognitive changes that contributes to adolescent development.
- To understand the contexts in which adolescent development occurs.
- To understand the various psychosocial issues that affect adolescent development.
- The nature of adolescence in society
Describe the past, current, and future role of adolescents within society.
- Biological changes
Explain the different biological changes that occur during different stages of adolescent development.
- Transitions in thinking
Explain the different cognitive transitions that take place during adolescence.
- Family relationships
Explain the different factors that contribute to multiple types of familial relationships.
- Identity
Explain the different factors that contribute to positive identity development.
- Autonomy
Explain the way autonomy develops within the adolescent.
- Adolescent peer groups
Explain the role peer groups play in adolescent development.
- Intimacy
Compare and contrast the different types of intimacy related to adolescent development.
- The impact of schooling
Compare and contrast the different influences of schooling on adolescent development.
- Sexuality
Analyze the development of adolescent sexuality.
- Achievement
Analyze how adolescents master achievement in various areas of their life.
- Work, free, time and media influences
Compare and contrast work, free time, and media influences on adolescent development.
- Psychosocial problems in adolescence
Analyze the psychosocial problems that occur during adolescence.
- Adolescence and cross-cultural perspectives
Compare and contrast perspectives on adolescent development across cultures.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment methods for this course may include but not be limited to objective tests, short answer and essay writing assignments, presentations and discussion activities. The critical thinking assignment is according to instructor discretion.
Instructors will select a textbook from the approved departmental textbook list.
Outcomes
- Social Sciences
- Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global
- Category 4: Social Sciences
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Determined by department