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:
- History, science, and nature of adolescent development
- Puberty, health, and biological foundations of adolescence
- Brain and cognitive development during adolescence
- Development of the self, identity, emotion, and personality
- Gender identity and sexual development
- Moral development, values, and religion
- Families & peers, romantic relationships, and lifestyles
- Schools and achievement, work, and careers
- Adolescence and mental health
- 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:
- Describe issues influencing child and adolescent development and behavior.
- Describe physical changes and their impact on the child and adolescent.
- Summarize the implications of early and late maturation for females and males.
- Explain the significance of the development of identity during adolescence.
- Identify factors related to gender identity and sex role identity in adolescents.
- Explain the family鈥檚 role in the development of identity.
- Summarize the cognitive abilities of children and adolescents.
- Articulate the relationship between cognitive development and moral development.
- Characterize the nature of peer group influence during adolescence.
- Recognize factors that influence drug/alcohol use, school drop-out, delinquency, suicide,
and depression on adolescents.
- Explain factors related to sexual development and sexuality during adolescence.
- Articulate the role of vocational goals and vocational choices and their influence
on identity and adjustment.
- 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