Adolescent and young adult development in the context of families. Special attention is given to the transactional nature of adolescent/young adult and family development, with an application of theory and research to understanding adolescence and early adulthood.
Athena Title
Adolescent Development
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HDFS 3700, HDFS 3700E, HDFS 3701E
Prerequisite
HDFS 2200 or HDFS 2200H or HDFS 2200E or HDFS 2950 or HDFS 2950E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will understand adolescent development from various theoretical viewpoints and to apply such principles to real life examples and adolescent settings, identifying and applying appropriate methodology or theoretical frameworks to inquiry.
Students will explore, through discussion, relevant issues that adolescents face today and how an adolescent developmental perspective can contribute to our understanding of and intervention with such issues.
Students will begin to consider the many factors influencing the development of individuals in this life stage, including those related to the contexts of family, culture, education, work, and media.
Students will gain a fuller understanding of macro-level policies, social norms, and cohort effects within the context of adolescent development, including opportunities to reflect on their own lived experiences.
Students will reflect on and develop an awareness of how historical events and longstanding customs relating to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, and class have influenced contemporary political, social, and economic issues of society - organizing and synthesizing evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities.
Students will develop an awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of cultures and communities beyond one's own, while noting the common development of adolescents/young adults regardless of identity or geographical location.
Students will address and recognize ethical issues and work with others to consider different ethical perspectives and ethical dilemmas in a variety of settings.
Topical Outline
Introduction:
A. Developmental Theory and Adolescence/Emerging Adulthood
B. Researching Adolescence
Foundational Changes of Adolescence/Emerging Adulthood:
A. Biological Transitions
B. Cognitive and Neurocognitive Transitions
C. Social Cognition and Identity
Contexts of Development:
A. Family
B. Peers
C. School and Community
D. Work
E. Intimate Relationships and Sexuality
F. Media
Outcomes of Adolescence/Emerging Adulthood:
A. Psychosocial Adjustment and Problems
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
