EDLF 3170 gives a strengths-based overview of the development of youth in society. The course is designed in a way that explores psychological, social, and societal phenomenon that impact youth development. The course also emphasizes certain areas of "skill building" such as being able to digest research articles, synthesizing academic articles, and proper formatting of citations in research. The course has a strong tilt towards preparing students to be researchers rather than simply digesting the content for assessment. This course is writing intensive with many journals and two large papers that make up half of your total grade. Professor Smith is a very stringent grader, and it should be known that even minimal errors will be recognized and points will be deducted. In addition, Dr. Smith implores a very direct classroom management style where she actively inserts herself into group discussions during group assignments and verbally calls out students who are not on task. Professional conduct standards are applied, which include a one point per class deduction on one's final grade after the second absence of the semester. Overall, this is an interesting and engaging course, but it is taught by a high demanding instructor, and at times, is a hard to read environment.