The Science of Human Resilience

Catalog description

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of resilience from both a biological and psychological perspective. It provides students with an integrative approach to understand the dynamic interplay between nature and nurture in understanding children's at-risk behaviors as well as understanding children's resilient behaviors. The study of resilience will be examined with a systems approach using a strengths-based framework of positive youth development. Topics will include brain development, the biology of stress, environmental factors influencing resilience, children's mental health, growth mindset, and the science of resiliency. Specific attention will be directed towards understanding the neuroplasticity of resilience. Content will be presented using interactive lectures, in-class activities, readings, and small group discussions. After taking this course, students will increase their understanding of how specific environmental factors interact with biological underpinnings to affect children's levels of resilient and at-risk behaviors (e.g., depression). Strategies to optimize children's positive developmental outcomes will be emphasized throughout. This course includes a service learning component where students have the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills to mentor children in supervised school/community settings.