Course Summary

Advanced study of developmental processes during adolescence. Focus on contemporary research in biological, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

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, and culture).

This course will assist students in learning how to interpret and influence adolescent behavior in light of a Christian worldview.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key theoretical perspectives and concepts within adolescent psychology, including their strengths and limitations.
2. Critically analyze and synthesize contemporary empirical research in adolescent psychology and development, including the application of findings to real-world situations.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting academic research and effectively communicating details of methods, results, and implications of findings.
4. Evaluate major concepts within adolescent psychology and development from a biblical perspective.

Course Assignment Detail 

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

Discussions

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences.

• Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided promptly for each discussion.
• Each thread must be 500–600 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge using citations from a module reading, an academic source, 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 (MLOs: A, B, C, D).

Reflection Paper

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 and include a reference page. The paper must also include at least 1 scriptural reference (MLOs: A, B, D).

Communication Project

The student will submit details related to his or her upcoming communication project, including a listing of the topic/content choice, intended audience, format of the project (e.g., PowerPoint presentation, website, pamphlet, YouTube video/PSA), and references. This assignment must include at least 2 references (these can be from module readings) and must include a reference page in the current APA format (MLOs: B, C).

Case Study

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 various essay questions, and analyze and respond to information contained in the scenario. The student must also cite any sources used in his or her answers and include a reference page. This assignment must be in the current APA format (MLOs: A, B).

Analysis

The student will submit a 2–3-page analysis of a fictional family from a TV show or movie. 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 the current APA format, cite at least 2 Scriptures, and include a reference page (MLOs: A, B, D).

Projects 

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 the 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 (these can be from module readings). This assignment must be in the current APA format and include a reference page (MLOs: A, B, C).

Total Quizzes

Each quiz will cover the assigned readings and presentations for the previous and current modules. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 40 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes (MLO: A).