The interdisciplinary minor is designed for students who have a child-related focus in their major and for those who want to explore the topic of childhood. This minor focuses on the study of issues concerning children and their representations, including their experiences in society within historical and contemporary cultures and global contexts. The curriculum fosters thinking about childhood theory, research, policy and the practical applications of this knowledge to decisions regarding children and youth. The minor provides enough flexibility for students to choose relevant courses in keeping with their primary interests.

Faculty

Dunne, Garcia-Gomez, Garner (director), Shadur

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 in all courses applied to the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

Banner Code: CHDS

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 16-17

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Core Courses

Three to four credits of3-4
Images and Experiences of Childhood: Social Construct, Literature, and Film 1
INTS 316Introduction to Childhood Studies (Mason Core)4
Total Credits7-8
1

A maximum of 4 credits may be applied to the minor.

Electives

Select three courses from the following:9
Children and Media
Youth and Conflict
Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
Family Law and the Justice System
Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners
Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
Individualized Supports and Specialized Care of Students with Severe Disabilities
Human Growth and Development
Human Development, Learning, and Teaching
Children's Literature for Teaching in Diverse Settings (Mason Core)
Children, Family, Culture, and Schools, 4-12 Year Olds
The Hospitalized Child and Family
Contemporary Youth Studies (Mason Core)
Parent-Child Relations (Mason Core)
Youth, Music, Social Change
Youth Resistance and Advocacy
Sport Based Youth Development
Lifespan Development (Mason Core)
Child Development
Adolescent Development
Behavior Disorders of Childhood
Sociology of Delinquency
Contemporary Families and Intimate Relationships
Youth Culture and Society (Mason Core)
Child and Family Welfare
Total Credits9