This course provides a theoretical and applied introduction to systems theory with a focus on illustrating interventions targeting the wellbeing of children and youth. This course will provide an overview of family systems theory and therapy with an emphasis on clinical skill building and conceptualization within a family life cycle and lifespan human development focus. Attention will be paid to person-environment interactions within families and communities, including ways in which societal issues impact functioning of the individual, family, and community. This course will highlight distinctions between traditional 1:1 intervention paradigms and those of family and community psychology with the aim of expanding the repertoire of skills and approaches available to future professionals.Consideration of issues related to diversity, power, and privilege as they relate to age, gender, sexual orientation, health/ability, culture and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and spirituality and religion will be encouraged throughout the course.