Youth development leadership curriculum
Core course sequence
YOST (formerly CI) 5952—The Everyday Lives of Youth - 3 credits
The everyday lived experiences of young people are used as a reality
base from which to understand the range of ideas, social institutions,
and organizations that reflect the ways societies and cultures seek
to know and influence youth.
YOST (formerly CI) 5954—Experiential Learning: Theory & Practice - 3 credits The course covers principles and practices of experiential learning; analysis of students' own learning processes; and exploration of how experience is used in educational settings.
YOST (formerly CI) 5956—Organizational Approaches to Youth Development
- 3 credits
Within the framework of healthy youth development, students learn about
the history, philosophy, and tradition of formal and non-formal systems
responsible for youth programs and policy.
YOST (formerly CI) 5958—Community: Context for Youth Development
Leadership - 3 credits
An examination of current issues and policies related to the role of
the work place, the family, and the community in the healthy development
of youth.
YOST (formerly CI) 5960—Seminar in Youth Development - 4 credits
taken in 1 credit increments
Faculty and cohort members join in self-designed small groups and occasional
large group sessions to discuss issues of leadership and practice. Seminars
are intentionally designed to achieve clear goals, are contract-based,
and require group members to report on earning and experiences. They
may be initiated by students or faculty.
YOST (formerly CI) 5962—Field Experience:
Youth Development - 4 credits
The field experience is your opportunity for learning, documenting,
and contributing to youth and the community. The purpose of the field
experience is for you to provide yourself with opportunities for professional
mastery and for personal development.
Field Experience Proposal
form [.doc]
Elective courses - 10 credits
Interdisciplinary work based upon professional interest. These may be
selected from any department in the University.
The portfolio
The portfolio is a demonstration and personal assessment of individual
learning and leadership in youth development work and in the YDL program.
Successful completion of the portfolio presentation is the final requirement
of the YDL program.
