Psychology SS3140

Adolescent Psychology

 

Instructor:         Todd C. Baird, Ph.D.

Office Hours:    By Appointment

Contact: Phone: Office: 626-7724

                           Cell  920-4215       

               Email:    tbaird@weber.edu

 

Required Text: Santrock, John W. (2003). Adolescence (11th Edition), Boston, Massachusetts, McGraw Hill.

 

Aspects of the syllabus are subject to changes.  These will be announced in class if they occur.

 

Course Objectives:

1.      Learn basic theories and problems associated with the study of adolescent development and socialization.

2.      Think critically about adolescent development theory and research and form your own personal understanding and beliefs about adolescent development. 

3.      Apply current research and psychological and developmental theories to basic problems facing adolescents in today’s society.

 

Requirements:

 

1.      Class Attendance and Participation.

It has been said that the first key to being successful in life is just showing up.  Therefore, in order to be successful in this class it is expected that students will attend each class lecture.  It is also assumed by this instructor that each individual in the classroom will have something to contribute, and that we will learn from each other.  It is expected that students will attend each class period having read the material before the lecture/discussions.  This will allow for discussion that will facilitate learning in the classroom.  Mutual respect for each other is expected during the course.  If a student continues to disrupt or disrespect others in the class (including tardiness) he/she will be asked to withdraw from the course.  Related to this issue I require that cell phones and pagers be turned off during all class periods.  For other issues related to student rights and responsibilities see the Student Rights and Responsibilities section on the Weber State University website.

2.      Writing Assignment (final paper).  You have the option of: 1) Writing a paper about a specific topic related to adolescent development that could be presented to a specific audience (adolescents, parents, or professional group).  2) Developing and writing an intervention or program for your community that treats a specific type of adolescent problem.  Your paper must be 10-14 pages, type written double spaced, and include a minimum of 10 professional references.  Please start your paper early.  Papers turned in late will be deducted 10% for the first day and 2% per day thereafter that the assignment is late (including weekend days).  You must clear your chosen topic with me

3.      Examinations.  There will be 3 exams for this course. The first exam will be taken in class and the other two in the testing center. The exams are multiple- choice.  Some questions will be drawn from both the text and class lectures.  If you plan on being away on school business during an exam you must arrange with me to take the exam prior to your departure.  Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated.  If you are involved in either of these behaviors you will be referred to appropriate University authorities and will receive 0 points on that assignment or exam.

 

Grades: Your grade for each of the exams will be based on the total percentage points you get correct out of the number of test items on the exam. Therefore if the an exam consists of 60 questions and you get 54 correct you will receive a score of 90. Item analysis will be performed on each test question and items that are found to be problematic will be excluded from the exam thus lowering the number of questions that will be used to calculate your percentage on the exam (this benefits you by increasing your grade).  The paper will be graded based on a possible of 200 points. Total points possible will 500 (exams will be worth 100 points each for a total of 300. The writing assignment/paper will be worth 200 points). The breakdown of grades will be as follows (pluses and minuses will be applied)

 

100 to 90%   = A

            89.9 to 80%  = B

79.9 to 70%  = C

69.9 to 60%  = D

59.9 to 0%    = F

Schedule

 

Date                            Reading Assignments and Exams

August

29:                               Introduction to class.  Chapter 1:  Introduction and History

September

7:                                 Chapter 2:  The Science of Adolescent Development

14:                               Chapter 3:  Puberty, Health, and Biological Foundations

19:                               Chapter 4:  Cognitive Development

26:                               Chapter 5:  The Self, Identity, Emotions, and Personality

                                    Take Exam 1 in Testing Center (Sept 29-Oct 3)

October

5:                                 Chapter 6:  Gender

12:                               Chapter 7:  Sexuality

17:                               Chapter 8:  Moral Development, Values, Religion

19                                Chapter 9:  Families

26:                               Chapter 10:  Peers

 

November

2:                                 Chapter 11:  Schools

                                    Take Exam 2 in Testing Center (Nov 7-11)

9:                                 Chapter 12:  Achievement, Work, and Careers

16:                               Chapter 13:  Culture

23:                               Chapter 14: Adolescent Problems and Treatment

28:                                FINAL PAPER DUE

30:                               Chapter 15: Health, Stress, and Coping

 

December

7:                                 Last Day of Class (Review if Time Permits)

                                    Take Final Exam in Testing Center (Between Dec 4-7)