Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
PSYC 3321
Discontinued
No
Course code
PSYC 3321
Descriptive
Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Department
Psychology
Faculty
Humanities & Social Sciences
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
201930
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
35
Contact hours
Lecture: 4 hrs per week/ semester
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

This course will employ a number of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, such as:

  • lecture
  • seminar presentations
  • research papers
  • audio visual presentations
  • examination and feedback
  • small group discussions and activities
Course description
This course is a psychological study of the adolescent and emerging adult stages of life-span development. The major theories and research findings about adolescent development are examined with a view to helping students to better understand themselves and others. Emphasis is placed on the social-cultural and historical context of this developmental period.
Course content
  1. Historical and cultural perspectives.
  2. Puberty, health and biological foundations.
  3. The brain and cognitive development.
  4. The self, identity, emotion and personality.
  5. Gender.
  6. Sexuality.
  7. Moral development, values and religion.
  8. Families.
  9. Peers, romantic relationships and lifestyles.
  10. Schools.
  11. Achievement, work, and careers.
  12. Culture.
  13. Problems and resiliency.
Learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:

  1. Explain the problems faced by adolescents and emerging adults.
  2. Describe the goals for healthy development in the adolescent and emerging adult period.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to utilize readings, experiences and research to pursue knowledge in some relevant area.   
  4. Describe the main theories of adolescent and emerging adult development.
  5. Identify the main developmental issues facing adolescents and emerging adults.
Means of assessment

The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.

An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:

     - Exams                                                         60%

     - Research paper                                             30%

     - Topic and annotated bibliography                    10%

                                                                         100%

Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

Textbook(s) such as the following, the list to be updated periodically:

Santrock, J. (2012) Adolescence (14th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Arnett, J. J. (2013). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: A cultural approach (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River,    

                NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.     

Prerequisites

PSYC 1100 and PSYC 1200