Course Syllabus
The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of assignments and course materials please check the online course catalog eight weeks before the course start date.

HD FS 239 (GS) Adolescent Development (3): Social, behavioral, and biological development and intervention throughout adolescence.

Overview | Objectives | Materials | Technical Requirements | Proctors | Course Schedule | Grading | Academic Integrity | Policies

Overview

This course on adolescent development will cover human development during the second decade of life. Some of the topics we will be covering are biological, cognitive, and social changes during adolescence; contexts of adolescence, including families, peer groups, schools, and work and leisure; and the developmental areas of identity, autonomy, intimacy, sexuality, achievement, and problems of adolescence.

Want to know more about how this will work?
The World Campus has a student orientation resource called "World Campus 101" designed to help you become more acquainted with online learning. Before you begin the course, I recommend that you work your way through World Campus 101!
return to top of page

Course Objectives

As you work through this course, keep the following objectives in mind:

return to top of page

Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Using the Library

Many of Penn State's library resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Library Resources and Services for World Campus and Distance Education Web site, you can...

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep...or even your desktop
  • ask a librarian for research help via e-mail, chat, or phone using the ASK! service

...and much more!

NOTE: You must have an active Penn State Access Account and be registered with the University Libraries in order to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and services. Registration and services are free!


return to top of page

Technical Requirements

Web access is required in order to complete this course. We recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:

Computer
Operating System Windows 2000, ME, or XP
Macintosh OS X (10.2 or higher)
Processor 500 MHz or higher
Memory 128 MB of RAM
Hard Drive Space 500 MB free disk space
Browser Mac OS X: Firefox 1.0 or higher
Windows: Firefox 1.0 or higher 
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled.
Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows
from Penn State web sites.


Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching,
we do not recommend using Internet Explorer 6 as your browser.
Plug-ins Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software Microsoft Office
Internet Connection broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer graphics-capable printer
CD-ROM required
Sound Card none
Monitor 15" monitor (1024 x 768 resolution)

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the World Campus Help Desk.

return to top of page

Arranging a Proctor

You will need to secure a proctor in order to take exams in this course. A proctor will not automatically be assigned to you; rather, you must make the necessary contacts to secure a professional who will serve in this capacity.
  1. Contact a person who meets the qualifications and ask him or her to proctor your exam.
  2. Student Services must approve your proctor before any exams can be taken. Please see instructions for securing a suitable proctor. While many proctors will serve on a voluntary basis, you are responsible for paying any expenses incurred in retaining a proctor.
  3. You must submit your proctor for approval or schedule your exams at a testing center using our online proctored exam portal. You will need to enter your proctor's contact information and submit proctor verification documentation. If you have any questions about using the procted exam portal, please visit the how-to guide. Note: If your proctor has been previously approved by the World Campus during a prior course within two years, you do not need to obtain verification. World Campus retains proctor information on file for two years.
  4. If your proctor does not meet the required specifications, Student Services will notify you within 5 to 7 business days.
  5. Students registered with Student Disability Resources who are receiving exam accommodations are responsible for providing their letter of accommodation to both faculty/instructors and exam proctors prior to scheduling exams.
  6. If you are a graduating senior requesting a final exam, please see additional information about early deadlines for course completion and exam scheduling.
  7. Contact Student Services if you cannot take a scheduled exam.
  8. Unless you have received permission to take your exam at an alternative time, your proctor will only allow you to take the exam during dates specified in your course.
return to top of page

Course Schedule

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. More information regarding graduation policies can be found on our Student Services graduation Web page.

 

Unit Week Activity

Lesson 1: Getting Started

&

Lesson 2: Adolescent Development in Context

Week 1

 

Please complete the following assignments in the order listed below:

  1. Read Lesson 01 commentary.
  2. Complete and submit Lesson 01 Assignment.
  3. Complete and submit the Proctor Information form.
  4. Steinberg: Introduction, Adolescent Development in Context.
  5. Read Lesson 02 commentary.
  6. Complete and submit Lesson 02 Assignment.
Lesson 3: Biological Transitions

Week 2

 

 Please complete the following assignments in the order listed below:
  1. Steinberg: Chapter 1, Biological Transitions.
  2. Read Lesson 03 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 03 Assignment.
Lesson 4: Cognitive Transitions

Week 3

 

Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 2, Cognitive Transitions.
  2. Read Lesson 04 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 04 Assignment.
Lesson 5: Social Transitions

Week 4

 

Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 3, Social Transitions.
  2. Read Lesson 05 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 05 Assignment.

Lesson 6: Families and Peer Groups

Week 5

 

Complete the following assignments in the order listed below:

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 4, Families.
  2. Read Lesson 06 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 06 Assignment.
  4. Complete and submit the Request for Mid-Course Exam form.
Lesson 7: Schools

Week 6

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 6, Schools.
  2. Read Lesson 07 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 07 Assignment.
Lesson 8: Work and Leisure

Week 7

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 7, Work and Leisure.
  2. Read Lesson 08 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 08 Assignment.
EXAM#1

Week 8

 
  1. There is no reading for this assignment.
  2. Complete mid-course exam under the supervision of a proctor and have the proctor mail the exam to World Campus.
Lesson 10: Identity

Week 9

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 8, Identity.
  2. Read Lesson 10 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 10 Assignment.

Lesson 11: Autonomy

Week 10

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 11, Autonomy.
  2. Read Lesson 11 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 11 Assignment.
Spring Break

Week 11

 

 
Lesson 12: Intimacy

Week 12

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 12, Intimacy.
  2. Read Lesson 12 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 12 Assignment.
Lesson 13: Sexuality

Week 13

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 13, Sexuality.
  2. Read Lesson 13 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 13 Assignment.
  4. Complete and submit the Request for Final Exam form.
Lesson 14: Achievement

Week 14

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 14, Achievement.
  2. Read Lesson 14 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 14 Assignment.
Lesson 15: Psychosocial Problems in Adolescence

Week 15

 

Complete the following tasks in the order listed below.

  1. Steinberg: Chapter 15, Psychosocial Problems in Adolescence.
  2. Read Lesson 15 commentary.
  3. Complete and submit Lesson 15 Assignment.
EXAM #2

Week 16

 
  1. There is no reading assignment.
  2. Complete final exam under the supervision of a proctor and have the proctor mail the exam to World Campus.

 

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. However, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year from the day the course began.

return to top of page

Grading

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

return to top of page

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity — scholarship free of fraud and deception — is an important educational objective of Penn State. Academic dishonesty can lead to a failing grade or referral to the Office of Student Conduct.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedure requires an instructor to notify a student of suspected dishonesty before filing a charge and recommended sanction with the college. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If a disciplinary sanction also is recommended, the case will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us.

Additionally, World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, and a civil community.

For More Information on Academic Integrity at Penn State

Please see the Academic Integrity Chart  for specific college contact information or visit one of the following URLs:

return to top of page

University Policies

return to top of page

Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.