HSER 421 - Contemporary Youth Issues

5 Credits

Investigates the challenges faced by youth today from an ecological perspective. Potential youth-related problems are viewed within the context of culture and other dimensions of diversity with an emphasis on the utilization of cultural strengths. The roles of public policy, education, equal and quality opportunities, inter-agency collaboration, and peer and adult relationships in insuring healthy development for all youth are addressed. The complexity of adolescent and young adult development, the environments in which they function, and the associated youth-related problems provide students with an opportunity to continue to develop essential critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Program Admission Required Yes Admitted Program BAS - H SER
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered

Fall Evening

Designed to Serve Students pursuing the Applied Baccalaureate Degree in Youth Development
Active Date 2016-05-24

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 55 Lab 0 Field Studies 0 Clinical 0 Independent Studies 0
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
ProfTech Course Yes
Restricted Elective Yes
Course Outline
1. The range of challenges facing youth

2. Youth challenges in context: Individual, Family, School, Community, Cultural, and Global Factors

3. The Justice System - Perspective and Responses

4. Specific Areas of Risk - Education, Economic, Physical and Mental Health, Media Consumption and Consumer Culture, peer

influences, Individual, National and Ethnic identity, Substance Abuse, and Family Violence

5. Early Intervention - A Positive Youth Development Framework

6. A risk and resilience Framework

7. Treating High-Risk Behaviors: Individual, Family, and Peer Interventions

8. Public Policy Actions

9. Quality Programs and Services for Youth at-risk

10. Positive Trends and Long-Term Strategies for Addressing Youth-Related Problems

Student Learning Outcomes
Explains individual, social, and environmental factors that lead to the development of at-risk behaviors.

Identifies evidence-based treatments for high-risk youth behaviors.

Determines evidence-based prevention strategies for common risks including substance abuse, school failure, and youth violence.

Identifies positive youth development practices to support the primary prevention of youth-related challenges.

Lists the components of quality programs and services that support youth at-risk.

Develops a positive, strength-based approach for defining and addressing youth-related problems.

Effectively advocates for essential services and the social conditions that support healthy and successful development for all youth.

Designs collaborative treatment, prevention, and youth development measures involving schools, law enforcement, social service agencies and other systems supporting successful youth development.