This course is not a systematic introduction to the developmental psychology or sociology of adolescence. Instead, it aims to provide preliminary insights into the psychology of young people and their life world that might be of interest to prospective teachers. Attention is directed towards the kind of youngsters that teachers with a university training will work with, i.e., adolescents properly speaking (grades 9-12; aged 14 to 18) and late adolescents or young adults (in higher education; aged 18 to 22).

After first defining adolescence as a period of life, the psychological consequences of the major changes in the biological, social and cognitive realms that take place during early adolescence (puberty, i.e., the first two years of secondary education) are described as some sort of general introduction. As a result of these changes, young people discover new possibilities in several important domains of development. By way of an example, the main trends in development are described in some detail for three of these domains (sexuality, identity and autonomy). In separate chapters the psychosocial development of adolescents will be examined, including changing relationships with parents and peers. Next, some problems that teachers might be confronted with are discussed, including both psychosocial stress and problem behavior (drug use and delinquency). Finally, some themes that relate to various aspects of adolescents' life world and youth cultures (e.g., norms and values, or popular music).

Cost: 35.0 EUR
de Wit, J., Slot, N.W., & van Aken, M. (2004). Psychologie van de adolescentie: Basisboek (23ste geheel herziene druk). Baarn: HB.
+ syllabus through Minerva

https://Minerva.UGent.be

Lectures

Time and place:
2nd semester, Tuesday 18-20.30 hrs, Auditorium 2, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent

First course: Tuesday 13 februari 2007 at 18 hrs

Periodic evaluation

Written exam with multiple choice questions