PSYC 2044 - Adolescent Development

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: Adolescent psychology is a field within Developmental Psychology, concerned with the psychological principles that apply to the study of adolescent development. The course includes an in-depth study of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur during the adolescent years. This course will familiarize students with the fundamental psychological concepts, research findings, and theories in adolescent psychology.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 9 Ethical/Civic Responsibility

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: PSYC 1020  

Major Content

1. Introduction to Adolescent Development
   1. Historical and contemporary perspective
   2. Theoretical perspective
   3. Scientific research methods
   4. Ethical issues in research
2. Biological Foundations
   1. Physical
   2. Puberty
   3. Health
3. Cognitive Development
4. Contexts of Development
   1. Families
   2. Peers
   3. Schools
   4. Culture
5. Social, Emotional, and Personality Development
   1. The Self and Identity
   2. Gender
   3. Sexuality
   4. Moral Development and Values
   5. Ethical and Civic Responsibility
   6. Achievement, Careers, and Work
6. Adolescent Problems
   1. Problems
   2. Health
   3. Stress and Coping

1. describe the scientific research methods used to study adolescence.
2. explain the theoretical perspectives in adolescent development.
3. compare and contrast historical and contemporary perspectives of adolescence.
4. analyze adolescents’ identity development in terms of ethics and values.
5. apply ethical standards to contemporary adolescent issues.
6. apply theoretical perspectives to current issues in adolescent development.
7. analyze the effects of the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that characterize adolescent development
8. identify the different contexts within which adolescent development occurs.
9. explain the adolescent process of developing a sense of self.
10. analyze the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in relation to ethical and civic responsibilities.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Competency 2 (7-10)
09. 01. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.

09. 03. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.

09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

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