The minor in childhood studies draws on many disciplines including anthropology, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, English, history, religion, economics, and biology. Childhood studies provides instruction and information to those directly responsible for ministering to children's needs and formulating policies affecting their lives and futures and equips individuals to make informed decisions concerning children and youth.

Students may declare a minor at any time.

Core Program Requirements (18 credits)

Required Course (3 credits)

50:163:101 Introduction to Childhood Studies (3) This course examines various ways that childhood has been discussed, researched, and understood as a social phenomenon and social institution. Course materials are selected to illustrate how various notions of childhood and "the child" impact cultural understandings regarding the "nature" of children. Historical as well as contemporary research and perspectives are used to address such issues as changing definitions of childhood; changing age norms; the idea of children as social actors; race, gender, and social class aspects of children's experiences; children's rights and child labor and work in a global context.

Elective Courses (15 credits)

Elective coursework may range across disciplines; however, a minimum of 6 credits must be taken in the childhood studies department. Any childhood studies (163) course may be applied to the minor. Students may choose other courses focused on children and youth--including courses from the list below--from a variety of departments. For questions about a course not on this list, please contact the undergraduate program coordinator in childhood studies.

Childhood and Culture (070:308)
Juvenile Justice (202:322)
Children and Families of the Incarcerated (202:346)
Digital Youth Cultures (209:240)
Literary Constructions of Childhood (350:361)
Children's Literature in Print and Film (350:362)
American Child in Literature (352:347)
Education in America (512:230)
Family and Gender in Historical Perspectives (512:371)
Psychology of Childhood (830:226)
Psychology of Adolescence (830:326)
Educational Psychology (830:301)
Family Ethics (840:340)
Sociology of the Family (920:306)
Sociology of Childhood and Adolescence (920:323)

For questions pertaining to the childhood studies major or minor, please contact the Department of Childhood Studies (856-225-6741) for an adviser.