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27340 Youth Health

UTS: Business: Leisure, Sport and Tourism
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject covers the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of adolescent development. Students learn the major issues and challenges that youth face as they mature and prepare for the adult world.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  1. discuss the physical developmental changes and impact that adolescents experience
  2. describe adolescent cognitive development
  3. identify the major challenges and issues that adolescents face, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially
  4. identify and explain the environmental and cultural influences on adolescents
  5. discuss the key issues regarding adolescents at risk, and harm minimisation strategies.

Contribution to graduate profile

This is a core subject for students in the BA Human Movement Studies/Graduate Diploma in Education program who intend to complete the PDHPE stream. It provides crucial information regarding the developmental stages and needs of adolescents, as well as highlighting key issues and challenges facing youth today. This subject is compulsory for students who wish to be accredited as PDHPE teachers by the NSW Department of Education.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies include formal lectures and tutorials. Content for this subject will be supported by UTSOnline.

Content

  • Physical development
  • Cognitive development
  • Nature of adolescent schooling
  • Adolescent problems and disorders
  • Adolescents at risk
  • Role of families and peers
  • Culture and adolescent development
  • Identity issues for adolescents
  • Religious development

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Mid Semester Examination (Individual)

Objective(s): 1, 2
Weighting: 35%
Task: This addresses objectives 1 and 2.

Assessment item 2: Student Presentations (Individual)

Objective(s): 3-5
Weighting: 25%
Task: This addresses objectives 3-5.

Assessment item 3: Final Exam (Individual)

Objective(s): 4, 5
Weighting: 40%
Task: This addresses objectives 4 and 5.

Indicative references

Adams, A (Ed) (2000) Adolescent Development: The Essential Readings. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

Aries, E (2001) Adolescent Behaviour: Readings and Interpretations. Sydney, NSW: McGraw-Hill.

Ausyouth (August 2001) Good Practice in Youth Development: A Framework of Principles – A Discussion Document (www.ausyouth.on.net)

Centre for Adolescent Health. Centre for Adolescent Health (www.copas.net.au/cah)

COPAS: Community Oriented Paediatric and Adolescent Services (www.copas.net.au)

Crain, W (1999) Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications (4th Edn) Prentice-Hall.

Department of Education, Science and Training (2006) Keeping in Touch: Working with Alcohol and Other Drug Use www.drugstrategy.sa.edu.au/supportingstudents/keepintouch/index

Healey, J (Ed.) (2002) Adolescent Health. Rozelle, NSW: Spinney Press.

Healey, J., (2000) Issues in Society: Sexual Health (v 137) Rozelle, NSW: Spinney Press.

MindMatters http://online.curriculum.edu.au/mindmatters/

ResponseAbility: www.responseability.org Resource Kit for Student Teachers about Adolescent Mental Health.

Santrock, J (2003) Lifespan Development (8th Edn) Sydney, NSW: McGraw-Hill.

Weiss, MR (Ed.) (2004) Developmental sport and exercise psychology: A lifespan perspective. Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology

Wynn, J and White, R (1996) Rethinking Youth. St. Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin.