Adolescent Development and Behavior

This course will examine the biological, psychological, interpersonal, and contextual changes and behaviors that characterize normal adolescent development. Within the context of normal adolescent development, the course content will focus on: 1) the epidemiology and etiology of adolescent problem behaviors; 2) the extent to which these behaviors vary across gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; 3) the ways in which these behaviors relate to normal adolescent development; and 4) existing programs and policies designed to prevent and, to a lesser extent, treat problem behaviors.