380.725.01
The Social Context of Adolescent Health and Development

Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Monday, 1:30 - 4:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Terrinieka Powell
Contact Name
Terri Powell
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
Students should take this course if they believe that the process is as important as the outcome. We blend case-based learning with service learning to understand the social context of adolescent health and development. Using classroom discussions, critical reflections and frequent interactions with adolescents, students learn how to describe and address community-identified issues that are relevant to adolescents. Here's what other students have said about the course: "It's an incredible course and you should absolutely enroll." "I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the [high school] students." "This was exactly in line with what I need to learn for my work."
Recognizes the social ecological model, social determinants of health tenants and the life course perspective as tools to understanding adolescent health. Explores the influences of contexts, such as neighborhoods, education and families, on adolescent health and well-being. Examines empirical work to consider the role of context in prevention and interventions aimed at adolescents.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify the social determinants of adolescent health and development
  2. Explain the role of contextual factors in shaping adolescent health and development
  3. Demonstrate effective communication and presentation skills with diverse audiences
  4. Develop case studies based on issues relevant to Baltimore adolescents
  5. Integrate contextual factors into health promotion strategies for adolescents
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 60% Group Project(s)
  • 30% Discussion Board
  • 10% Peer-feedback
Enrollment Restriction
Masters, Doctoral and Adolescent Health Certificate students only
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

Students will team up with high school students from REACH Partnership High School to develop Baltimore-based case studies focused on an adolescent health topic. REACH students are freshman enrolled in a First Year Seminar course. Students will be required to meet their high school team at REACH THREE times throughout the term (mornings 8:45a-955a). Students will be responsible for transportation. REACH is located at 2555 Harford Rd in Baltimore, MD (21218).