PSY 465 Adolescent Psychology

Overview of Course

PSY 465 explores adolescent psychology, a significant period of human development when children transition into adulthood. We will study foundational principles, theories, and research about adolescence, including cognitive, emotional, personality, social, and biological perspectives. Special consideration will be given to how culture and social factors impact adolescent development. Throughout the course, we will discuss socially constructed definitions of adolescence and explore identity, gender, sexuality, family relationships, peer influence, risk behavior, education, work, and media influences. Students will use the fundamental adolescent psychology concepts taught in this course to critically examine adolescent health and wellbeing worldwide and apply their knowledge to current problems affecting adolescents. Cross-cultural differences within adolescent development will be examined as students visit various ports throughout the semester. PSY 465 may be relevant for students pursuing majors in health, education, behavioral sciences, and other related fields.