Focus of the course

This paper follows on from HMDEV100/TEEDU102 and focuses specifically on the lifespan developmental stage of adolescence. With reference to classic and contemporary theory it explores the construction of adolescence as a pivotal stage between childhood and adulthood. The paper covers key content relating to the development of young people across a range of domains (e.g., physical, social, cognitive) and provides a detailed introduction to contemporary topics such as gender and sexuality, disability, and mental health.

The perspective taken on this course

This paper takes a ‘critical approach’. The major academic discipline used in this course is Psychology. But Western developmental psychology is overwhelmingly North American in origin and provides a particular cultural story – rather than ‘the truth’ – about human development. While much of the theory and research you will encounter is derived from an international (mainly western) context, in this paper it is applied explicitly to the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. As much as possible, insights from Aotearoa New Zealand - including te ao Māori perspectives - are woven throughout the course.

This paper is taught over a 12 week trimester. Taught content is delivered via a combination of face-to-face/kanohi-ki-te-kanohi lectures (approx 90 mins) each week and online vodcasts/kōnae ipurangi. In most weeks there is also a one hour tutorial session. Students are expected to attend ALL taught sessions and to engage with online content including set readings and guided independent study activities as specified on Moodle.

This is a 15 point paper. University regulations stipulate an expected total student workload for the paper of 150 hours. The paper involves approximately 30 hours of contact time comprising lectures, tutorials, and related activities. The remaining hours are to be used for completing readings, following up on topics from lectures, and preparing assignments.

The required readings for the paper are available on Talis at (https://rl.talis.com/3/waikato/lists/1EBC7DAA-E65D-1A42-5BB7-D24D3BC8A9E1.html). This reading list can also be accessed via the Reading List link on Moodle or the Reading List tab on the library homepage.