This course will examine the biological, psychosocial, and contextual development and behaviours that characterize normal adolescent development. The course content will include: a) the developmental characteristics of adolescent physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development; b) the contextual influences (e.g., family, peers, teachers, community) on adolescent development; c) the epidemiology and etiology of adolescent problem behaviours across a variety of domains; d) the ways in which these behaviours relate to normal adolescent development in specific contexts; e) the specific ways parents and teachers can employ to prevent and, to a lesser extent, treat problem behaviours.

CILO-1: Specify the key developmental issues, tasks, and conflicts during the stages of adolescent development and how these are influenced by social contexts. CILO-2: Identify and describe biological, psychological, and social changes that characterize normative development during adolescence through the onset of emerging adulthood. CILO-3: Specify how risks, protective and promotive factors contribute to youth safety, mental and physical health, security, and wellbeing. CILO-4: Describe the reciprocal relationships among a child or youth's development, their environment, and any influencing historical or cultural factors that may be at work. CILO-5: Delineate how history, culture, group memberships and social positions within society shape adolescents' and their families' perceptions, attitudes, cognitive processes, and actions.