Cognitive Science 0246 - Adolescent Development

A primary goal of this course is to examine adolescence from multiple perspectives. Adolescence is often thought of as a time of great change and upheaval as children navigate the transition into adulthood. Raging hormones, changing social expectations and relationships, and developing autonomy all contribute to this idea. In addition to exploring the different developmental challenges that face adolescents, we will explore how brain development, social and cognitive development, and culture influence development during adolescence. Students will read and discuss material from psychological and neuroscientific literature, both from a textbook and primary source articles. General methods in Developmental Psychological Science, as well as theoretical and historical perspectives on development, will be discussed. Students will complete learning checks, brief papers, and a final project, and will be responsible for co- leading at least one group discussion day. Prerequisite detail: One prior course in psychological science or cognition (including neuroscience, linguistics, and/or animal behavior) at the college (not AP) level.

Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research. Any psychology classes taken at Hampshire must have been taken through the Division of Cognitive Sciences (CS) to qualify as a prerequisite for this course.