PSYCH 332 - Adolescent Development

Designed to acquaint students with the major research and theories on adolescence, this course will explore the nature of adolescent development in terms of biological, cognitive, social, and emotional processes. With an emphasis on theory, students will learn to differentiate between myth and fact regarding adolescent development by critically examining research findings across disciplines. The course will begin with a general overview of the most influential theories of adolescent development. Next, attention will be focused on critically examining empirical findings supposedly supportive of the most renowned theories. Students will then be given the opportunity to explore theories from across disciplines with the goal of discovering new explanations of adolescent thought and behavior. At the end of the course, students will present and defend a theoretical rationale explaining behavior and thought indicative of adolescence.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar