Course Description
This course will focus on exploring the historical and contemporary theories of development as they impact upon maturation and socialization of adolescents. The biological, cognitive, and social/cultural changes that take place during adolescence are examined for their impact on self-awareness, character development, and gender development. The role that parents, friends, school, work, and the media play in influencing these changes is also detailed. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- PSY 101: Psychology
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Discuss and think critically about historical and contemporary theories of development in order to compare and contrast differing perspectives. Match theorists with important concepts and note how these views increased awareness of adolescent developmental issues.
- Understand the role that biological development and maturation plays by being able to name critical maturational stages and the mechanisms that link to trigger adolescence.
- Discuss and think critically about cognitive development and its impact upon perception of the self, including gender, esteem, and abstract thinking.
- Articulate how biological maturation, cognitive development, and social influences impact adolescent development. The role of parents, culture, schools, peers, and the media is examined within the context of maturation.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-7) | 40% |
Research Paper (Week 4) | 20% |
Final Paper (Week 8) | 40% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Santrock, John. Adolescence. 18th ed. McGraw Hill Publishers, 2023. ISBN-10: 1-260-44920-3 or ISBN-13: 978-1-260-44920-4 [Looseleaf version]
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1 | Topics: Development Theories and Research Methods
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2 | 2,3 | Topics: Puberty and Biological Foundations and Issues in Cognitive Development
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3 | 3,4 | Topic: Understand the Self and Gender Issues
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4 | 1-4 | Topic: Exploring Teen Identity and Sexuality
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5 | 2,3,4 | Topic: Families and Their Influence on Development
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6 | 4 | Topics: Peers, Culture and Value Systems
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7 | 4 | Topic: Adolescent Problems
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8 | 1-4 | Topic: Conclusion |
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.