Overview of Course

The experiences during childhood and adolescence vary dramatically around the globe. What impacts these differences? How can health and well-being be improved for all children and youth? In this course students will examine key issues affecting childhood and the outcomes for children and youth. We will explore global, cultural, and social influences that shape children’s lives such as policies and practices related to health, education, and protection. The ways that children are socialized will be explored with special attention to the lives of children in the countries we visit. Using a risk and resilience framework, the major challenges and opportunities for young people will be investigated. Students in this course will gain a better understanding of how global changes and identities affect the daily lives and potential life outcomes of children and youth. Models of effective interventions for at-risk youth will also be explored. Students will have opportunities to observe and interact directly with children and youth from diverse cultures during field experiences.