Drew University
Course Syllabus
College Seminar - 1 – Section 018 – Understanding Adolescence
Fall 2010
Professor: Janet Davis, Ph.D.
Psychology Department
Hannan House Room 202
973-408-3360
Seminar Description
When does adolescence begin? When does it end? Psychologists define adolescence as the time of transition from childhood to adulthood, but what physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes differentiate this time of life? In this seminar we will read case studies that highlight themes and challenges of adolescence in the United States, such as identity, peer relationships, family relationships, and sexuality; we will discuss and analyze these cases in the context of psychological research and theory about development during this life stage.
College Seminar Learning Objectives Upon completion of the College Seminar, students will be able to:
- Enter into and participate in a scholarly conversation both orally and in writing;
- Comprehend, evaluate and analyze materials and texts as well as think synthetically and creatively about them;
- Evaluate and explain the appropriate use of different kinds of information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources
Moodle
All important course information will be available on the Moodle website for our course. Please consult it frequently and bring any problems to my attention ASAP.
Required Text
Garrod, A., Smylyan, L., Powers, S.I., & Kilkenny (2008). Adolescent Portraits, 6th edition. Pearson, New York, NY.
Additional Reading
As assigned throughout the semester and available on Moodle.
Grading and Attendance Policy The College Seminar is a collective exploration of a topic. Its success depends on the thorough preparation and participation of each of its members. Missing class means depriving yourself of the insights you will gain through discussion and depriving others in the room of your contributions. Therefore students are expected to be present at each meeting of the seminar and prepared to participate fully in the conversation. The College Seminar will be graded as follows:
- Attendance and Participation 50%
Participation will be evaluated on the basis of the rubric at the end of the syllabus.
Read the rubric and let me know if you have any questions about its content. You will receive an participation grade for each class session.
Students will not be penalized for absences covered by a Drew Policy (Religious Observance, Athletics, Serious Illness, Death in the Family) (e.g. Athletes are allowed a maximum of two absences, i.e. x/24 rather than x/26). However, it is possible for you to miss so many classes that you cannot be considered to have taken the class and will not earn credit for it.
If you miss class, you must contact me as soon as possible, preferably before the scheduled class time, but certainly within 24 hours.
- Course Assignments 50% (written assignments, projects, presentations)
There are 12 writing assignments. Each must be typed, double-spaced, and PROOFREAD. Each must be submitted on Moodle PRIOR to class. You must also bring a hard copy of each assignment to class. Written assignments will receive a grade of: 3 (excellent-exceeds expectations); 2 (good – meets expectations) ; 1 (poor – falls below expections); 0 (inadequate – falls very far below expectations or not submitted). No assignment will earn a “3” if there are any typographical or grammatical errors. Assignments will be equally weighted in the final grade.
Writing assignments are not counted if you are not in class; missed in-class writing assignments or oral presentations or activities cannot be made up.
- NOTE: No extra credit will be offered in this class.
Academic Accommodations Should you require academic accommodations, you must file a request with the Office of Educational Affairs (BC 114, extension 3327). It is your responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Educational Affairs and to provide me with the appropriate documentation from that office at least one week prior to any request for specific course accommodations. There are no retroactive accommodations.
Academic Integrity All work in the College Seminar must adhere to the College Standards on Academic Integrity. You must do your own work. You must cite sources appropriately in all papers and presentations. You must acknowledge the contribution of other students to your work. Any student who is in violation of this policy will be referred to the Dean’s Office for further action. The policy can be found at: http://www.depts.drew.edu/composition/Academic_Honesty.htm]
Schedule of Classes
SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
* *You must do all the readings assigned for each class before the class. You should always come to class having done the readings and having thought about them. As we may decide to make changes during the semester, specific assignments and changes in the schedule of classes will be announced in class. All assignments will also be posted on Moodle.
M 8/30 Introduction to class
F 9/3 Stages of Development
Small Group exercise
M 9/6 No Class – Labor Day
F 9/10 Stages of Development
Presentation of Small Group Work
Focus on Adolescence: WRITING ASSIGNMENT 1 Due
M 9/13 JEAN: Read Portraits Case 1 “Someday My Elders Will be Proud”
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 2 Due
F 9/17 Cognitive Development Read Arnett (2010) 58-78
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 3 Due
M 9/20 Jean and Cognitive Development
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 4 Due
F 9/24 JESSIE: Read Portraits Case 5 “Una Muchacha Decente"
In-class writing
M 9/27 Cultural Beliefs Read Arnett (2010) 93-109
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 5 Due
F 10/1 Jessie and Cultural Beliefs
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 6 Due
M10/4 JOSE: Read Portraits Case 4 “The Hatred Within”
In-class writing
F10/8 The Self: Arnett (2010) 147-173
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 7 Due
M 10/11 Jose and Identity
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 8 Due
F 10/15 Read Bronfenbrenner article (Moodle)
In-class writing
M 10/18 No class – Reading Day
W 10/20 MONDAY CLASSES MEET
Risks and Opportunities
Small Group Discussion/Presentation: Jean, Jessie, Jose
F 10/22 CHAYA: Read Portraits Case 11 “Falling From My Pedestal”
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 9
M 10/25 SARAH: Read Portraits Case 13 “Beyond the Euphoric Buzz”
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 10
M 11/1 Family: Arnett (2010) 175-209
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 11
Sarah, Chaya, and Family
F 11/5 Risks and Opportunities
Small Group Discussion/Presentation: Chaya, Sarah
M 11/8 Andy: Read Portraits Case 14 “Holding My Breath”
In-class writing
F 11/12 Friends and Peers: Arnett (2010) 211-239
Myra and Peers; Risks and Opportunities
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 12 DUE
M 11/15 Presentations (to be assigned)
F 11/19 Presentations (to be assigned)
M 11/22 Presentations (to be assigned)
F 11/26 No class – Thanksgiving Break
M 11/29 Reflections on Thanksgiving Break Assignment
F 12/3 WRAP UP
WRITING ASSIGNMENT 13 DUE
M 12/6 No College Seminar class – Wednesday classes meet