This course is designed to give students a multilevel perspective on the social, biological and neurological consequences of childhood adversity, such as poverty, maltreatment and institutionalization. Students will learn about the importance of timing and duration of adversity as well as type of adversity. Childhood adversity and its influence on the child’s social attachments, biological health and mental well-being is also be examined. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the biological realities of early adversity contribute to various emotional and behavioral problems later in life. Students also consider how some children appear resilient in the face of these challenges while other children face lifelong obstacles due to their experiences. In addition to learning about the forms of adversity faced by children, students serve children at risk for these experiences during the semester by working with a pre-selected community partner. Students are expected to complete 30 hours of service during the course of the semester. Prerequisites: PSYC 100, PSYC 301.
Grade Basis: Letter Grade
Credits: 4.0
