PSYC231: Psychology of Adolescence

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 08/08/2024

Course Description

This course provides an overview of adolescent development. Content will focus on developmental theories, research, and current issues from puberty through emerging adulthood.

Rationale

Many of the students who enroll in Psychology of Adolescence are individuals who will be working directly with adolescents (e.g., education, social work, law enforcement, family services, and youth ministries). This course is designed as a foundation for understanding the major theories and concepts of adolescent behavior and thinking and attempting to determine the major influences that precipitate this behavior. Suggestions will be made as to the ways in which an understanding of the adolescent developmental process can be used to influence them in certain desired directions.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the assigned topic for each discussion. Each thread must be 300–400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. (CLO: B, C, D)

Read & Interact Textbook Assignments (13)

The student will complete adaptive learning questions as they read through the textbook reading assignments. These questions will be tailored to the individual student and are designed for the student to get the most out of the reading process. To be successful, the student must simply work through the questions that are presented as they read the textbook material. (CLO: A, B)

Developmental Letter Assignment

The student will craft a 2–3-page letter that imparts knowledge to a child or for the benefit of a child which provides encouragement on the journey to adulthood. In addition, the student must compose a 1-page reflection essay in response to provided questions. (CLO: B, C, D)

Body Image Worksheet Assignment

The student will complete a worksheet that explores body image development during adolescence. The worksheet will be comprised of 3 parts: 1) a detailed description of an advertisement, 2) responses to 6 critical thinking questions, and 3) a list of resources designed to help parents as they guide their adolescents in the development of a healthy body image. The student must include information from both the textbook and the Bible to support his/her answers. The student must also include 7–10 sources in current APA format. (CLO: B, C, D)

Adolescent/Parent Interview Worksheet Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to explore individual differences in parenting practices and philosophies. Family dynamics and parenting play a crucial role in adolescent development. Exploring parenting styles, individual traits, religion, family history, and patterns can bring about a better understanding of adolescent and parental relationships. Life events can also influence parenting and the adolescent. Analyzing all these variables is an asset to understanding the importance of the parental role in adolescent life. (CLO: B, C, D)

Topic Paper Assignment

The student will select a topic related to adolescence and will write a topical paper incorporating at least 5 scholarly sources published within the past 5 years. The paper must be written in current APA format and include a title page, 3–5 full pages of text, and a reference page. (CLO: A, B, C)

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned modules. Quizzes are not cumulative in their content. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour-and-30-minute time limit. To be successful, the student must study and prepare before attempting any quiz. (CLO: A, B)