Intro to Childhood Studies

Prerequisite: ENGL 102; seniors may enroll only with consent of instructor This speaking-intensive course introduces students to key concepts in the study of childhood from multidisciplinary perspectives. Students examine historical and socio-cultural constructions of "the child" and childhood, exploring topics such as child development, cultural notions of adolescence, children as social agents, children's rights, and challenges facing children in both local and global contexts. Students then build an interdisciplinary framework of analysis to research a particular question about children's well-being and potential. The course also highlights the relevance of Childhood Studies to areas of professional practice, including teaching, social services, health care, law, public policy and advocacy. Depending on the instructor, the course may include a service-learning component. Offered fall, spring, summer and winter intersession.