50:163:101 Introduction to Childhood Studies (D) (3) An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of children and childhood, from birth to adolescence. It draws on many disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, English, history, religion, economics, and biology. Presentation of the field of childhood studies is designed to provide instruction and information to everyone interested in children and childhood, including those directly responsible for ministering to children's needs and those formulating policies affecting their lives and futures. The lectures and the readings have been designed to foster thinking not only about research in the field, but also about the applied, policy, and clinical implications of the research in order to make informed decisions concerning children and youth. Note: This course is reading and writing intensive. Be prepared for weekly reading assignments ranging between several chapters to a whole book.
Prerequisites: 50:350:101-102.

50:163:220 Practicum (3) Provides students with theory of, training in, and practical experience with the delivery of direct services to children. Intended for students seeking experience within the institutions that influence children's lives, such as schools, courts, counseling centers, and state and local agencies.

50:163:320 History of Youth (3) This course provides an historical look at adolescent development.

50:163:381 Special Topics: Childhood Studies I and II (3) A theme in childhood studies is considered. A major paper is required.

50:163:391 Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Environments (3) This course will develop the student's ability to choose and utilize appropriate early childhood assessment tools. It will convey the connection between child and environmental assessments to promote developmentally appropriate practice and environmental enhancements that strategically support all learners and meet the mission of a quality program.

50:163:392 Designing an Early Childhood Environment (3) This course will develop the student's ability to critically analyze and enhance their early childhood environments. It will provide a comprehensive overview of environments that encompass birth to age 8 settings to ensure students are able to plan and support developmentally appropriate environments that meet the diverse needs of children, staff, and families.
Prerequisite: 50:163:391.

50:163:395 Director's Academy (3) This course will develop the student's ability to support early childhood education staff in a center-based environment. It will assist the student in developing appropriate skill sets in the areas of staff support and development, introduction to management issues, strategic planning, facilities improvement, and contractual agreements. This course fulfills the NJ Department of Family Development (DFD) 60-hour course required for NJ Childcare Center Directors and Administrators.

50:163:396 Leadership through Mentoring: Practice in the ECE Setting (3) This course will develop the student's ability to build effective partnering relationships between mentors and proteges. It will focus on the skills required to practice reflective and supportive supervision, the development of effective staff development experiences, and evaluation. Includes the study of supervisory models and staff evaluation. This course fulfills one of the three major components of the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) director's credentials.
Prerequisite: 50:163:395.

50:163:397 Management and Budgetary Practice in ECE (3) This course will develop the student's ability to create and support fiscal oversight for an early childhood program, regardless of its size or funding auspices. It will convey how sound management policies include long-range fiscal planning and operating budget preparation, reconciliation, and review to promote a center's mission and vision. Prerequisite: 50:163:395.

50:163:400 Directed Readings (3) Readings connected to a research topic are analyzed and discussed. Topics are selected to reflect research projects currently underway on the campus.

50:163:450 Capstone in Childhood Studies (3) Students will write a major interdisciplinary paper in their senior year.

50:163:480 Senior Seminar (BA) The Senior Seminar is the capstone course in the major. Students use their interdisciplinary skills acquired over the course of the major to examine topics of their choosing in the field of childhood studies. A major paper is required. Prerequisite: 50:163:101.

50:163:495 Advanced Research (3) Students conduct original research under the direction of a faculty member. This course can be repeated for credit.

50:163:497 Fieldwork (3) Provides advanced childhood studies majors with an opportunity to integrate and expand their knowledge of childhood through applied experiences in the community. Students are encouraged to develop their own placements, but may consult with the instructor for help in establishing a placement. Students are expected to meet with the instructor regularly throughout the semester, keep a journal of their experiences, and complete a class project/paper.