5 credits

Students in this course review how recent international issues such as terrorism, civil war, mass migration, and refugee crises influence development and lives of human beings throughout the lifespan. Students examine how extreme life stressors such as exposure to disaster, war, terrorism, displacement, genocide, instability, loss of family, and death influence health (e.g., sanitation, diseases, and reproductive issues) and mental health issues (such as trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and debilitating mental illnesses). The impact on the psychosocial well-being and development of infants, children, young adults, adults, and elders within their specific contextual and cultural background is also explored. Students examine psychosocial support and intervention programs developed for health and mental health promotion of the affected individuals and how they impact positive social change.