Last updated: March 30, 2015 @ 12:01PM
Child and Youth Studies
Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies
Dean
Thomas Dunk
Faculty of Social Sciences
Associate Dean
Diane Dupont
Graduate Studies and Research
Faculty
Professors
Maureen Connolly (Kinesiology), Maurice Feldman (Centre For Applied Disability Studies), Dorothy Griffiths (Child and Youth Studies), Zopito Marini (Child and Youth Studies), John McNamara (Child and Youth Studies)
Associate Professors
Heather Chalmers (Child and Youth Studies), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies) Voula Marinos (Child and Youth Studies), Richard Mitchell (Child and Youth Studies), Shannon Moore (Child and Youth Studies), Tom O'Neill (Child and Youth Studies), Frances Owen (Child and Youth Studies), Shauna Pomerantz (Child and Youth Studies), Rebecca Raby (Child and Youth Studies), Hans Skott-Myhre (Child and Youth Studies), Christine Tardif-Williams (Child and Youth Studies), Donato Tarulli (Child and Youth Studies), Ayda Tekok-Kilic (Child and Youth Studies), Tricia Vause (Child and Youth Studies), Tony Volk (Child and Youth Studies), Dawn Zinga (Child and Youth Studies)
Graduate Program Director
Heather Chalmers
hchalmer@brocku.ca
Administrative Assistant
Lora Baliukas
905-688-5550, extension 3740
Cairns Building 319
http://www.brocku.ca/childandyouthstudies/
Program Description
The MA program offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to the study of children 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. For full-time students, it is normally a six term or two year program.
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). Students are also required to complete a course on research methods for Child and Youth Studies.
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
Successful completion of four year Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a relevant social sciences discipline with an average of not less than 75%. 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. Students with a four year Bachelor's 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. Agreement from a faculty advisor to supervise the student is also required for admission to the program.
The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.
Part-time study is available.
Degree Requirements
Applicants will consult with the Graduate Program Director and a thesis supervisor when planning a program of study. Degree requirements include: CHYS 5N01; CHYS 5F01; CHYS 5F90; 5P00 and 5P10; plus a one half course elective. In addition, all students will be required to attend the Colloquium Seminar Series which will consist of guest lectures. Additional credits may be required of candidates with insufficient preadmission background.
Thesis
In addition to the course requirements, a research-based 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.
Facilities
The department has a graduate student office equipped with computers, printers, video equipment, meeting room, lounge and faculty labs.
Course Descriptions
Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.
CHYS 5F01
Research Methods for Child and Youth Study
Emphasis is on combining qualitative, quantitative, and applied approaches and linking research methodology to multidisciplinary theory on children and youth.
CHYS 5F50
Research Practicum I
Students will undertake a research practicum in an applied or basic research setting outside of the thesis area. The research practicum supervisor and student will determine specific requirements and evaluation criteria.
CHYS 5F90
MA Thesis
Students will prepare a thesis applying 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, and applied topics such as service provision and program evaluation. The preparation and public defense of a thesis which will demonstrate the candidate's capacity for independent study.
CHYS 5N01
Professional Seminar in Child and Youth Studies
Faculty and students will meet each week to discuss ongoing research and program-related issues in Child and Youth Studies.
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 5P29
Risk and Resilience in Adolescence
(also offered as PSYC 5P29)
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.
CHYS 5P30
Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research with Children and Youth
Statistical analysis and computer implementations of quantitative methods, emphasizing applied methodology issues in research with children and youth. Covers traditional ANOVA, ANCOVA and multiple regression, including vector-coding of group information under regression and emphasis on data screening and evaluation of assumptions.
CHYS 5P40
Dual Diagnosis I
(also offered as ADST 5P40)
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (mental health and intellectual disabilities) from multidisciplinary and evidence based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor.
CHYS 5P41
Dual Diagnosis II
(also offered as ADST 5P41)
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (mental health and intellectual disabilities) from multidisciplinary and evidence based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor.
CHYS 5P42
Dual Diagnosis III
(also offered as ADST 5P42)
Selected topics in dual diagnosis (mental health and intellectual disabilities) from multidisciplinary and evidence based perspectives. Specialized topics will vary by year and instructor.
CHYS 5P50
Research Practicum II
Students will undertake a research practicum in an applied or basic research setting outside of the thesis area. The research practicum supervisor and student will determine specific requirements and evaluation criteria.
CHYS 5V01-5V09
Special Topics in Child and Youth Studies
A specialized topic in child and youth studies that will vary by instructor.