Adolescent Psychology – PSYC 631

Course Description

Advanced study of developmental processes during adolescence. Focus on contemporary research in biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. (Crosslisted with MSPS 637)

Rationale

This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of the major theories and contemporary issues involved in adolescent development, including a focus on cognitive, social, and moral development. Additionally, this course will explore the biological and psychological changes and challenges that occur during this age period, as well as the context surrounding these changes (e.g., family, peers, school, culture). This course will assist students in learning how to interpret and influence adolescent behavior in light of a Christian worldview.

Course Assignment

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

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge using citations from a module reading, an outside academic source published within the last 7 years, and a scriptural reference. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to the threads of at least 2 classmates. Each reply must be at least 150 words. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

The student will complete a reflection paper applying the module’s content to the student’s own life. This paper must be 2–3 pages in current APA format. The paper must cite at least 1 module reading, 1 outside academic source published within the last 7 years, and 1 scriptural reference. The paper must include a reference page. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

The student will submit details related to his/her upcoming communication project, including a listing of the topic/content choice, intended audience, format of project (e.g., PowerPoint presentation, website, pamphlet, YouTube video/PSA), and APA-formatted references. Each reference must be accompanied by at least one paraphrased research point that could be used in the final project. This assignment must include at least 2 references, 1 from a course reading and 1 from an outside academic source published within the last 7 years. (CLO: A, B, C)

The student will complete 2 case studies applying and demonstrating knowledge of course content to a provided scenario. The student will be required to answer several short answer questions, analyzing and responding to information contained in the scenario. The student must also integrate and cite course readings in each answer. An APA-style reference page must be included. (CLO: A, B, D)

The student will submit a 2–3-page analysis of a family from a TV show, movie, or book. The analysis must include specific observations/examples and apply this information to concepts covered in a specified module reading. A biblical integration component must also be included. The analysis must be in current APA format, cite at least 2 Scriptures, and include reference page (CLO: A, B, D)

The student will submit a project focusing on the communication of a major content area covered in the course to a hypothetical layperson audience (e.g., adolescents, parents, teachers). The student will aim to communicate material in a creative and engaging way and demonstrate an ability to summarize academic material for a non-academic audience. This assignment must include the use of at least 2 references, 1 from a course reading and 1 from an outside academic source published within the last 7 years. This assignment must include APA-formatted citations and references. (CLO: A, B, C)