Young People in Context

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Includes participation in online learning activities, reading course materials, independent study and completion of learning tasks and assessment.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.
It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject introduces and critiques the concepts ‘adolescence’ and ‘health’, and examines various frameworks for understanding the phenomenon of adolescent development. The diversity of adolescent experience is explored, and the impact of various socio-environmental contexts of adolescence on young people’s health and well-being is identified.

This subject is designed to enable students to:

• identify and critically reflect on different frameworks for understanding adolescence;
• analyse contemporary theories of adolescence and adolescent development (including historical and cultural contexts and social environments such as school and family) to enhance own practice in working with young people;
• articulate and critically reflect on different constructions of ‘health’ and analyse how these perspectives impact on young people’s access to health care;
• identify and analyse national and international adolescent health issues and trends and relate these to the broader socio-environmental contexts impacting on the health and well-being of young people;
• critically examine life-course or life-stage approaches to adolescent health and consider how these are impacted on by social, economic, environment, diversity issues etc;
• identify strategies for maximising positive development of young people; identify the key socialisers in young people’s lives e.g. new technologies, mobility and transport, social networks.

• Case study, 1500 – 2000 words, due mid semester (40%)
• Major essay, 2500 words, due mid semester (60%)

Fuller, A. (1998). From Surviving To Thriving: Promoting Mental Health In Young People. ACER: Melbourne.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, it is expected that students will be able to:

• work in a respectful way with: young people from diverse cultural backgrounds; workers from different sectors; and communities to enhance engagement, active participation, inclusivity and capacity building;
• locate, critically evaluate and use contemporary research literature and professional information to develop own practice;
• communicate effectively with young people, families, agencies, and other professionals across a range of contexts;
• further develop collaborative ways of working and learning aimed at building partnerships in a multi-disciplinary environment.

This subject requires access to the internet. Participants will receive a printed Learner's Guide and key subject readings. A range of online resources, templates and collaborative learning tools are available via the Subject website.