Emphasis is placed on adolescent development, emotional growth, mental development, interests, attitudes and social behavior, moral and religious development, and problems common to the age. Adolescent psychology is an exciting field that attempts to understand all aspects of human growth and change, including physical, mental, social, moral, and emotional changes during the adolescent period. Because of the multifaceted nature of adolescent behavior, a single theory cannot adequately explain all of its aspects. Therefore, the field of adolescent psychology offers no absolute, singular truth. Rather, it is made up of multiple theories and many different explanations about how a human adolescent develops. There is a diversity among the scientific interests of the investigators who study adolescent development, and their findings are fueled both by intellectual and scientific curiosity as well as a desire to better the welfare and treatment of adolescents through applications to parenting, education, medicine, and psycho-social service.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theories, research, methodologies, and empirical findings in the study of adolescence. Physical, social, emotional and cultural factors will be discussed. Course Objectives: 1. Obtain basic theoretical and empirical information about biological, cognitive, and psychosocial development during adolescence; 2. Understand the leading research in the field of adolescent development and how it can be applied in the real world; 3. Appreciate the diversity of the adolescent experience; 4. Improve critical thinking and writing skills.