82074 - Psychology of Adolescence

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - has learned elements of the evolution of the scientific research on adolescence; - knows the principal developmental tasks of adolescence, with particular reference to identity formation; - is able to distinguish the phases of development from preadolescence to emerging adulthood; - knows the specific role played by relationships with peers and with the family during development.

Course contents

Lectures will be delivered in English.

Specific contents of the course are the following:

1.General introduction on development during adolescence and young adulthood. Phases of adolescent development. Developmental tasks.

2.Adolescents and the social contexts of development (family, peers, school, community, media)

3.Adolescents’ civic development

Basic knowledge in Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Research methods in Psychology are assumed to have been completed in order to attend this course. Knowledge of English Language (reading, understanding, writing, oral conversation)

Readings/Bibliography

Jackson, S. & Goossens, L. (2006). Handbook of adolescent development  (available in psychology library in Cesena and Bologna, as well as in other UNIBO libraries)

Papers & other documents for the group work will be provided in class.

Teaching methods

The course will include: lectures, providing a general introduction on the issues addressed by the course, group work, group discussions.

Group work will include:

(1) the analysis and evaluation of research papers. The evaluation should include the following information: Theories and research questions which inspired the study; Methods used to investigate the topic; Most significant results; Strengths and limitations of the article; Implications of the findings for theory and interventions;

(2) analysis and discussion of research data.

(3) analysis of "cases" through the collection and analysis of bibliographic sources by students.

Assessment methods

The final grade will include three evaluations:

1) Evaluation of the group work conducted in class (30%) to assess the ability to learn cooperatively through discussion on issues related to psychology of adolescence

2) One individual short paper in English (2-3 pages, 12-pt font, double spaced) based on a critical analysis of an article (40%), to assess the acquisition of knowledge and methodological competences in the study of psychology of adolescence

3)A focus group discussion (in English) on a key adolescent issue presented in the lectures. (30%) Evaluation will consider students' participation and contribution to the discussion.

ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT (for students who cannot complete the evaluations in class):

1) One long paper in English (20 pages) based on critical review and analysis of at least 5 articles on a topic of the course (to be sent at least by email one week in advance)

2) Oral discussion on the long paper.

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In order to register the final grade, students are invited to register on the Almaesami platform, on the first date of the official session of exams.

Teaching tools

Computer, journal articles, software for statistical analyses

According to Law n°170/2010 students with diagnoses of DSA and students with disabilities are entitled to the specific forms of assessment and can use the allowed support tools during the exam (electronic devices, supplementary time, etc.).

Office hours

See the website of Elvira Cicognani