This course is designed to study adolescence as an important stage of human development. Adolescents in our society today are in need of a protected status and place in order to form a personal, integrated identity. This theme is explored in relation to many topics such as physical growth and emerging sexuality, cognitive changes and the school environment, family influences and parental support, the role of the peer group in providing a transition from the family to individual autonomy, moral development, and the values and goals that evolve over the course of adolescence. Stresses that contribute to low achievement, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, delinquency, and emotional problems are also considered.

If you successfully complete this course, you will be able to:

• Define the terms used in the textbook.
  
  
• Explain the major methods and theories used in the study of human development.
  
  
• Describe the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes that occur during adolescence.
  
  
• Discuss findings from research studies cited in the textbook and in the video programs.
  
  
• Apply the concepts and information about adolescent development to individual adolescents.
  
  
• Discuss the role of the family, the school, peer group and culture in shaping the behavior and values of teenagers.
  
  
• Identify factors which contribute to the formation of an integrated identity in young people.

The required textbook and materials for this course are:

• Santrock, John W., Adolescence, 11th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2007
  
  
• Houlihan, David, Study Guide for use with Adolescence, 11th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2007
  
  
• Course Guide for PSY 236 (includes assignments, information on exams and other course details)

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:
 

There are 4 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your proctored exams at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect Empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking proctored exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : gcorradino@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 845-6301

I do not have office hours, but you can contact me via e-mail at the address above. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard and email at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.