Assignment (1): A written assignment. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)

The aim of this module is to explore and evaluate different perspectives on young people's risk taking behaviour and the various theoretical and practice-based models of intervention. It will explore various behaviour patterns that young people participate in, deemed `risky' by adults, from psycho-sociological, socio-economic and theological perspectives. The perceptions of those participating in such activities will be examined in relation to `social norms' and a critique of motivation that leads to potential specific behaviour will be conducted. Specific behaviours such as illegal drug use/misuse, violence, motor-related crime, self-harm, unprotected sexual activity etc. will be explored in detail, with an analysis of potential intervention strategies.

150 hours, of which 15 will involve interactive lectures, student presentations, group discussions of learning materials, student led seminars and discussions on reading. There will be 64 fieldwork hours, and the rest will be independent study.

Bell, N. & Bell, R. (ed.) (1993), Adolescent Risk Taking, London: Sage.
Gullone, E. & Moore, S. (2000), Adolescent risk-taking and the five-factor model of personality in Journal of Adolescence 23, pp. 393-407.
Gregersen, N. (2003), "Risk and Religion: Toward a Theology of Risk Taking" in Zygon, June 2003, 38, 2, pp 355-376.

On-site library and internet access to Staffordshire University Library
PCs with standard suite of University software providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work.