Child and Youth Studies

Chair

Dorothy Griffiths

Graduate Officer

Tom O'Neill

Professors

Mohammed Dore, Maurice Feldman, Dorothy Griffiths, Zopito Marini, Linda Rose-Krasnor, Sidney Segalowitz

Associate Professors

Hedy McGarrell, Frances Owen, Teena Willoughby

Assistant Professors

Heather Chalmers, Jan Frijters, Voula Marinos, John McNamara, Tom O'Neill, Rebecca Raby, Hans Skott-Myhre, Christina Tardif, Donato Tarulli

Master of Arts Program

Administrative Assistant

Carol Penner

905-688-5550, extension 3740

Academic South Building 455

http://www.brocku.ca/childandyouthstudies/

The MA program offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to childhood and youth through required foundation courses, electives and a research-based thesis. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

There are two required foundation courses: (1) a course in childhood, youth and society (encompassing the sociology, anthropology and political economy of childhood and youth) and (2) child and youth development (drawing upon theoretical and applied perspectives in developmental psychology).

This program is part of a growing movement for multidisciplinary perspectives in Child and Youth Studies and students are encouraged and expected to show evidence of integration across disciplines. The program provides theoretical foundation for the study of childhood and youth and the application of social science research methods through the completion of a research-based thesis. The program will also provide advanced learning opportunities for students intending to continue their education and professionals who currently work in research or service settings. We anticipate that some graduates will pursue further study at the doctoral level while others may pursue a wide variety of occupations related to children and youth.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should normally hold an honours BA, BSc, BSW, or its equivalent in a relevant social sciences discipline, with an overall average of at least 75 percent. Applicants will be expected to have completed an undergraduate statistics course as well as a research methods course. Applicants must supply a statement of research interests, as well as a recent example of written work or a demonstration of professional experience. University regulations on English language proficiency will apply. Students with an honours degree in a non-related discipline who have demonstrated, through documented work-related experience, an interest in pursuing research in children and youth, may be considered.

The Graduate Admission Committee will review all applications and offer admission to a limited number of suitable candidates.

Program Requirements

Applicants will consult with the Graduate Officer and a thesis supervisor when planning a program of study. Basic degree requirements include successful completion of two and a half full credit courses (or equivalent) at the graduate level, plus a thesis. A program of study will, therefore, include the foundation courses, research methods, an elective, and a thesis. The elective may be an independent guided study, a course from within the Department of Child and Youth Studies, or from other graduate departments.

Required courses: CHYS 5F90 or 5F91, 5P00, and 5P10, 5F01 or PSYC 5F01, plus a one half course elective.

In addition, all students will be required to attend the Colloquium Seminar Series which will consist of monthly guest lectures. Each student will be required to attend a minimum of 12 lectures over the course of their study in order to fulfill the Colloquium Seminar requirements of the Thesis credit. Additional credits may be required of candidates within sufficient preadmission background.

Thesis

In addition to the course requirements, a thesis that demonstrates a capacity for independent work must be completed. The thesis topic shall be selected in consultation with the Supervisory Committee.

A thesis proposal will be evaluated by the student's thesis committee before the research may formally begin. The thesis committee is composed of the student's supervisor and two other faculty members associated with the program. An open oral defence of the thesis is required with the participation of the student's thesis committee as well as an examiner external to the department. The thesis will demonstrate the student's capacity for independent work of high quality.

Residency

For full-time students, minimum residency for the program is one year of full-time study (three consecutive academic terms). Part-time students must take the Foundation I and II courses in the first year and successfully complete at least one half-credit course per year thereafter. The thesis must be completed within three years of completion of the program course requirements.

Graduate funding is not normally available to students enrolled on a part-time basis.

Research Facilities

The department has a graduate student office equipped with computers observation rooms and play room with one-way mirror, video equipment and faculty labs.

Course Descriptions

Note: not all courses are offered in every session. Please refer to the applicable timetable for details.

CHYS 5F01

Research Methods for Child and Youth Study

Emphasis is on combining qualitative and quantitative approaches and linking research methodology to multidisciplinary theory on children and youth.

CHYS 5F90

Thesis

Students will prepare a thesis applying accepted social science theory and methodology. Research may address a variety of issues involving children, youth and families, including for example, the social worlds of children and youth, child and youth development, social policy analysis. The preparation and public defense of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study.

CHYS 5F91

Applied Thesis

Students will prepare a thesis applying accepted social science theory and methodology on an area of research which may arise in an agency setting. Applied theses may address a variety of issues involving children and youth including for example, service provision and program evaluation. The preparation and public defense of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study. Under normal circumstances, students in the Applied Thesis course will have relevant work experience in the field.

CHYS 5P00

Foundation I: Childhood, Youth and Society

A multidisciplinary approach to current theoretical and conceptual issues of child and youth research encompassing the sociology, anthropology and political economy of childhood and youth.

CHYS 5P10

Foundation II: Issues in Child and Youth Development

A multidisciplinary approach to the current theoretical and applied issues surrounding child and youth development. A comprehensive knowledge of some of the major contemporary issues, representing theoretical and applied approaches, will be explored within different philosophical and research tradition.

CHYS 5P20

Independent Guided Study I

Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, the candidate may complete a sustained program of study of a topic of current theoretical or applied interest within the program field leading to the writing of a substantial paper.

CHYS 5P21

Independent Guided Study II

Under the supervision of a faculty member with appropriate expertise, the candidate may complete a sustained program of study of a topic of current theoretical or applied interest within the program field leading to the writing of a substantial paper. The supervisor may not be the same faculty member as in Independent Guided Study I.

CHYS 5P30

Risk and Resilience in Adolescence

A critical analysis of adolescent risk and resilience research. General topics may include youth lifestyle choices, problem behaviour theory, risk and protective factors, competence, and developmental pathways in the context of community, family, peer, and intrapersonal factors.