Adolescence

Catalog description

The course examines issues of adolescent development, experiences and contexts of adolescents' lives today. The course examines theories, research and issues of adolescent physical, social-emotional and cognitive development and their reciprocal influences. We will look at a range of environments that influence (and are influenced by) adolescents; including peers, family, schools, work, media and community. Each area of development is viewed within the context of adolescents' lives and using a bio psychosocial framework. Includes historical, demographic, cross-cultural and applied perspectives. Diversity issues such as culture, socio-economic class, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation are interwoven throughout the course. We will assess elements of the environment that can impact, impede, or facilitate the experiences of adolescents and their families. Opportunities exist for application of course information to both personal and professional contexts.