Child/Adolescent Development, Deviance and Violence – DBFA 615

Course Description

This course explores the foundational theoretical models giving explanation to the issues and challenges associated with child and adolescent development. Attention is given to the perspectives of both child and parent with a focus on effective intervention at the familial and sociological levels. Informed by systems theory and empirically - supported treatment approaches, the student will emerge with a strong appreciation for the continuum of care in diverse ecclesial and professional settings.

Rationale

A strong case can be made that the child and adolescent is at greater risk than in previous generations, evidenced by abborent behavioral trends to the legal and moral structures of society. To view the condition only from a moral stance is to overlook the underlying motivations and factors that, when properly understood, set the stage for more effective remedial clinical, sociological and political intervention. Students will have the opportunity to engage these issues through an introductory exploration of the scholarly research of relevance in most recent years, without loss of their appreciation for the early efforts in the fields of psychology, family studies, and religious faith. The incorporation of case studies provides the students an opportunity to participate in the continuum of care, from assessment to treatment planning and strategic intervention, within the uniqueness of their own future respective human service settings.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

Each Discussion will require the student to answer questions with a minimum of 400 words based on that particular module's readings (Dr. Dobson’s works and/or the core text), as well as video/audio content. The student will be required to post at least two (2) replies of 200 words each to other students’ threads.

4-MAT Review Paper Assignments (2)

The 4-MAT Review system is a way of responding to readings, lectures, and life experiences, requiring the learner to interact with new ideas on several levels. Each of the 2 required papers must include a title page, footnotes/citations, subtitles, pagination, and a bibliography/reference page. The first 4-MAT review will be on the Dobson text and the second 4-MAT review will be on the Meeker text.

Movie Review Assignments (2)

The student will write a 2–3 page movie review that focuses on a movie that has an example of a cultural battle for the hearts and minds of today’s children and adolescents (this may include etiological factors surrounding strong-willed, aggressive, and violent behaviors in children and adolescents). Use the format in Canvas when completing your Movie Reviews – include the headings below in each of your reviews.

Research Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write a research paper that focuses on the general topic of deviance and violence as it applies to child/adolescent development. The research paper will primarily discuss assessment and treatment strategies, as well as proactive parenting interventions, and may focus on any of the following issues:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Explosive Children
• Conduct Disorder
• Sexual Addiction in Children/Adolescents
• Bullying
• ADHD
• (Other topics with the professor’s permission)

The Research Paper Assignment should be a minimum of 10 pages in length (not including Title Page and References page) and follow APA guidelines, with at least 5 supporting sources including research/journal articles. The paper must close with an appropriate conclusion summarizing the major observations from the research and suggestions for additional study of the topic

Research Paper: Part 1 – Topic Assignment

Topic - Submit a topic with a 300-word rationale detailing why the topic is relevant to the course and its application to current family, faith, and the future. Include at least five supporting sources.

Research Paper: Part 2 – Outline Assignment

Outline - Submit an outline for the Research Paper Assignment following the elements expressed in the general instructions section. 

Research Paper: Part 3 – Final Assignment

Final submission – Submit a well-constructed research paper on the topic selected, following the elements expressed in the general instructions section.