In this paper we will engage with theory, research, and practice around contemporary issues relating to young people in Aotearoa. Taking a critical stance underpinned by social constructionism, critical social psychology, and discourse analysis; this paper engages with current international theory and research, evaluating its relevance to the New Zealand context. As well as exploring a range of topics and issues relevant to young people in Aotearoa today, this paper also encourages both critical self-reflection and the application of knowledge to applied settings.

This paper is taught over a 12-week semester and covers a range of contemporary issues relevant to young people (i.e. tweens, teens, emerging adults) in Aotearoa today. As this is a 300 level paper, it focuses on key issues (e.g. the impact of media on young people's subjectivity; mental health and youth suicide prevention) with specific reference to 'at risk' groups (e.g. LGBTIQ youth; Rangatahi, migrant youth) and topics related to working with young people in the 'real world'.

As the paper is taught solely online, all content is delivered via Moodle. For each topic you will be expected to complete specific activities (e.g. set reading, activities, online discussions) as specified on the Moodle site; and to complete the assessments. Tutors will engage with you through regular announcements and the online discussions; and will also respond to individual queries around the assessments.

This paper is fully internally assessed. Please take the opportunity to ask questions about assessment tasks in your question and answer forum in Moodle. If you need additional help with assignments, please contact the Student Learning support staff in Te Puna Ako/Centre of Tertiary Teaching and Learning.

Resubmission of an unsatisfactory piece of work is available for Written Assignment 1 only. Resubmitted assignments may be accepted after consultation with the paper convenor, and these can receive a maximum grade of C-.

Please note that there are no re-submission opportunities for Assignment 2 or Assignment 3

To obtain a pass in this paper students must obtain a final mark of 50% or more for the whole paper.

This paper is an online paper and is supported by Moodle as a teaching space. All communication, lecture material, discussions, supported readings, assignment briefings, assignment feedback and all miscellaneous material will all be via the Moodle site. All written assignments must be submitted through Moodle too.

Each week the site will be updated with information about the week’s topics and any supplementary readings. You should check your Moodle site on a regular basis.

Online web address: http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/ or you can click on the Moodle link on the university home page.

You can use the Moodle site for general questions, for giving feedback on how things are going and for contacting the teaching team. Any issues can be discussed with the paper convenor through the Private Conversation forum on Moodle.

Moodle support can be found online at the help site:
http://online.waikato.ac.nz/wcel/moodle/help/
and on MyWeb. You can also email the ITS Help Desk by clicking the Help link at the bottom of each Moodle page or by emailing
help@waikato.ac.nz
or phoning the helpdesk at (07) 838-4008.

This is a Level 3 paper worth 15 points towards your degree and University regulations stipulate an expected total workload of 150 hours. You should therefore be spending around 10-12 hours per week on this paper; including both set online engagement and 'out of class' work (e.g. organisation of lecture notes, additional reading, preparation of assignments, etc). Keep these expectations in mind, and organise your study time effectively.