What is HDFS 313 Adolescent Development?

HDFS 313 is a 4-credit undergraduate course at Oregon State University that examines what actually happens during adolescence — the biological changes, identity formation, shifting relationships, and social and cultural forces that shape how young people grow up. The course goes beyond stereotypes to explore the science and real-world challenges of the teenage years.

Does HDFS 313 have any prerequisites?

No. HDFS 313 has no prerequisites and is open to students of all majors.

What microcredential does HDFS 313 count toward?

HDFS 313 counts toward the Child and Youth Development microcredential at Oregon State University.

What topics does HDFS 313 cover?

HDFS 313 covers biological changes, identity formation, shifting relationships, and the social and cultural forces shaping adolescence. Weekly topics address real-world issues including social media, homelessness, immigration, and incarceration, examining how systems, culture, and identity shape adolescent experiences in the U.S. and globally.

What kinds of assignments are included in HDFS 313?

Students in HDFS 313 choose two critical issues papers from four options — immigration, homelessness, social media, and incarceration — allowing them to go deeper on the topics most relevant to their interests. The course also incorporates films and documentaries to bring adolescent experiences to life alongside research and critical writing.

Who should take HDFS 313?

HDFS 313 is a strong fit for students in human development and family sciences, psychology, education, public health, social work, human services, sociology, and women, gender and sexuality studies. It is especially relevant for students planning to work with or advocate for young people in educational, community, or clinical settings.

How many credit hours is HDFS 313?

HDFS 313 Adolescent Development is a 4-credit hour course.

Diverse group of friends sharing a joyful moment and piggybacking outdoors to illustrate youth friendship and social connection.

HDFS 313 Adolescent Development

4 credit hours

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Adolescence is more complicated than you think

The teenage years are often reduced to stereotypes, but the science tells a more interesting. In HDFS 313, you'll examine what's actually happening during adolescence: the biological changes, identity formation, shifting relationships and the social and cultural forces that shape how young people grow up.

You'll explore the real challenges shaping adolescence today — from social media and homelessness to immigration and incarceration — through research, documentaries and critical writing. This course is a strong fit if you're thinking about human development and family sciences degree pathways that involve working with or advocating for young people.

This course also counts toward the Child and Youth Development microcredential.

What makes this course stand out?

Tackles real issues

Weekly topics go beyond textbook theory to examine how systems, culture and identity shape adolescent experiences in the U.S. and globally.

Choose your focus

You'll select two critical issues papers from four options — immigration, homelessness, social media and incarceration — letting you go deeper on the topics that matter most to you.

Documentary-based learning

Films and documentaries bring adolescent experiences to life in ways that readings alone can't.

Who should take this course?

Human development and family sciences majors

Build the theoretical and applied foundation for working with adolescents across education, family services and community settings.

Psychology majors

Deepen your understanding of adolescent cognitive, social and emotional development with a strong research and theory base.

Education majors

Understand the developmental stage your future students are navigating, and what that means for how they learn, behave and relate to adults.

Public health majors

Examine how social determinants, mental health and community conditions shape health outcomes during adolescence.

Future social workers and human services professionals

Gain critical knowledge about the systems and challenges affecting vulnerable youth, from homelessness to incarceration.

Sociology and women, gender and sexuality studies majors

Explore how identity, culture, gender and social class intersect during one of the most formative periods of life.

Your next step

Ready to enroll? Check the schedule of classes or talk with your advisor to see how this course fits into your academic plan.