HLS 245 Human Development Across The Lifespan Movie Characte ✓ Solved

HLS 245 Human Development Across The Lifespan Movie Character An

The class will view the movie, Juno. Prepare to give specific examples from the movie to reinforce responses given to answer the chosen question. Please write the number of the essay you have chosen at the top of your paper or title page.

Characters in the movie, Juno, include:

Adolescents (ages 12-20) – Juno MacGuff and Paulie Bleeker (both approximately 16)

Young Adults (ages 20-40) – Vanessa Loring and Mark Loring (both in early 30’s)

Middle Adults (ages 40-65) – Mac MacGuff and Bren MacGuff (both in late 40’s)

Select and answer one of the following questions:

1. Juno and Piaget (Adolescents - Cognitive Development): During Piaget’s fourth and final stage, Formal Operations, individuals develop skills to solve problems and systematically test solutions.

They evidence advanced reasoning and language skills. Individuals in this stage understand abstract concepts (logic, deductive reasoning, strategic planning, etc.). Piaget clearly states that not all individuals will reach this stage of cognitive development.

Does Juno evidence development in the Formal Operational stage? Why or why not? Discuss Juno’s behavior in terms of Piaget’s cognitive stages. Describe specific examples of her behaviors, thinking (cognition and moral) and language to support your conclusions.

2. Paulie Bleeker’s Development (Adolescents Development): Juno’s boyfriend, Paulie Bleeker, is a somewhat peripheral character in the movie Juno. However, he is seen quite often going about the activities of his day and expressing his feelings and emotions. Present a discussion that compares and contrasts Paulie Bleeker’s development in various areas (physical, health, motor, sensory, cognitive, language, psychosocial and sexual) – discuss his strengths and weaknesses in these areas. Make conclusions about Paulie’s adjustment during this time period in his development. Be sure to include what the theorists (Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Elkind and Marcia) expect for this particular stage of development and discuss your conclusions in relation to what might be expected for the individual.

3. Immature Characteristics of Adolescent Thought (Adolescents Development): David Elkind has theorized that adolescents exhibit immaturity of thinking stemming from their inexperience in formal operational thought. This new and unfamiliar way of looking at the world and themselves makes it difficult to cope with the challenges they face at times. Elkind described “immature characteristics” that are evidenced in the thought process of adolescents. Discuss these “immature characteristics” (listed in your class notes), giving examples of them seen in the behavior of the movie’s adolescent characters (Juno, Paulie and Leah)

4. Why Are Mark and Vanessa Loring So Mismatched? (Young Adult Development): Young adulthood is a period of transition when the individual begins to take on adult roles, responsibilities and commitments in order to establish a stable adult personality. For many individuals, this includes joining with a significant other, establishing a family that often includes children and embarking on a career. Erikson, Levinson, Sternburg and other theorists detail the developmental transition of this stage. Mark and Vanessa Loring have established careers and a marriage and yet both are dissatisfied with their circumstances. Consider what the developmental theorists mentioned above would have to say about Mark and Vanessa. In particular, determine what psychosocial stage (consider Erikson’s fifth, sixth and seventh stages) that each has achieved.

Consider Levinson’s theory for this stage. Think about how each of these individuals views their significant other in terms of Sternburg’s Triangular theory. In developmental terms, explain why Mark and Vanessa are getting a divorce.

5. Parental Relationships and the MacGuffs (Middle Adult Development): An adolescent’s relationship with his/her parents is affected by factors such as generational chauvinism, adolescent rebellion, individuation, conflicts, ambivalence and parental style of discipline and control. Juno’s parents include her father, Mac MacGuff, her stepmother, Bren MacGuff and her absentee birth mother. Use specific examples of Juno’s and her parents’ behavior and comments to discuss their parent/child relationship. Include the concepts and use terminology related to parental relationships listed above to describe and discuss the MacGuff’s relationship with their daughter. In general, how are the MacGuff’s doing with development in middle adulthood?

Your response to the selected topic should be comprehensive and insightful. Use your course text as a guide to assist you in a discussion of the pertinent issues and theories that apply. Cite your sources using APA style referencing.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the analysis of the movie "Juno," this paper will focus on the character of Juno MacGuff, particularly through the lens of Piaget's cognitive development stages, specifically the Formal Operational stage. Juno's journey through adolescence provides a rich backdrop to examine her cognitive processes and moral reasoning as shaped by her experiences.

Introduction to Juno's Character

Juno MacGuff, portrayed by Ellen Page, is a sixteen-year-old high school student who unexpectedly finds herself facing an unplanned pregnancy. This film provides a unique opportunity to analyze cognitive development during adolescence, particularly Juno's behavior through Piaget's framework. As she navigates her complex situation, Juno exhibits distinct behaviors that can either support or refute Piaget’s theories on formal operational thought.

Understanding Piaget's Formal Operational Stage

According to Piaget, the Formal Operational stage occurs roughly between the ages of 12 and 16 and is marked by advanced reasoning skills, abstract thinking, and the ability to plan systematically. In this stage, individuals begin to think logically about abstract concepts, engage in hypothetical reasoning, and understand complex relationships.

Cognitive Development in Juno

Juno demonstrates several characteristics of Piaget's Formal Operational stage throughout the film. For instance, her decision to seek out an adoption plan for her unborn child demonstrates her ability to think abstractly and consider the consequences of her actions. She understands the gravity of her situation and systematically explores options, highlighting her advanced cognitive processing.

Another example can be seen when Juno confronts her feelings about her pregnancy. Instead of succumbing to panic, she evaluates her emotions and thinks critically about her relationship with Paulie Bleeker and her parents. This ability to engage in logical reasoning—evaluating her choices, like considering the implications of giving the baby up for adoption—illustrates her development within the Formal Operational stage.

Language and Communication

Juno's dialogue further showcases her cognitive maturity. Her witty and sharp language reflects her capability to articulate complex emotions and abstract thoughts. For instance, she uses humor to cope with the challenges she faces, which indicates advanced linguistic skills and cognitive flexibility. This aligns with Piaget's description of individuals in the Formal Operational stage who can use language not just to communicate, but to reflect and process their understanding of the world.

Behavior and Moral Reasoning

Additionally, Juno's moral reasoning plays a crucial role in her characterization. She is faced with ethical dilemmas—such as the decision to keep the baby or give it up for adoption—and her thought processes reflect a consideration of societal norms and personal values. Juno's evolution throughout the film shows her ability to navigate complex moral landscapes, a hallmark of formal operational thought.

Challenges of Adolescent Thought

While Juno exhibits many signs of being in the Formal Operational stage, it is important to recognize that adolescents may also display characteristics of immature thought, as articulated by David Elkind. Juno occasionally makes impulsive decisions driven by strong emotions, such as her initial reaction to her pregnancy. Such moments could suggest areas of cognitive development that still warrant growth.

Conclusion: Juno's Developmental Insights

In summary, Juno MacGuff is a compelling example of a character that embodies many characteristics of Piaget's Formal Operational stage. Her advanced reasoning, abstract thinking, and moral considerations illustrate her cognitive maturity. Nonetheless, her journey also highlights that cognitive development is not linear. Adolescents like Juno may still struggle with impulsivity and emotional decision-making, reflecting the complexities of navigating this developmental stage.

This analysis reveals valuable insights into the nature of adolescent cognitive development and the factors that influence growth during this pivotal time. Juno's character serves as an engaging representation of the intersection between theory and real-world experiences in adolescence.

References

  • Piaget, J. (1972). The psychology of intelligence. Routledge.
  • Elkind, D. (1980). The adolescent ego: Immature characteristics of adolescent thought. In The adolescent experience. OUP USA.
  • Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. W.W. Norton & Company.
  • Levinson, D. J. (1978). The Seasons of a Man's Life. Knopf.
  • Sternberg, R. J. (1986). Intelligence Applied: Understanding and Increasing Your Intellectual Functioning. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
  • Woolfolk, A. (2010). Educational Psychology. Pearson.
  • Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective. Pearson.
  • Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). Life Span Human Development. Cengage Learning.
  • Santrock, J. W. (2019). Life-Span Development. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Feldman, R. S. (2019). Development Across the Life Span. Pearson.

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