Last updated: March 10, 2022 @ 02:59PM

Child and Youth Studies

Master of Arts in Child and Youth Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Child and Youth Studies

Dean
Ingrid Makus
Faculty of Social Sciences

Associate Dean
Dawn Zinga
Graduate Studies and Research

Faculty

Professors Emeriti
Dorothy Griffiths, Frances Owen

Professors
Maureen Connolly (Kinesiology), Suzanne Curtin (Child and Youth Studies), Maurice Feldman (Centre For Applied Disability Studies), Jan Frijters (Child and Youth Studies), John McNamara (Child and Youth Studies), Richard Mitchell (Child and Youth Studies), Shannon Moore (Child and Youth Studies), Tom O'Neill (Child and Youth Studies), Rebecca Raby (Child and Youth Studies), Tony Volk (Child and Youth Studies), Terrance Wade (Health Sciences), Dawn Zinga (Child and Youth Studies)

Associate Professors
Heather Chalmers (Child and Youth Studies), Hannah Dyer (Child and Youth Studies), Voula Marinos (Child and Youth Studies), Danielle Molnar (Child and Youth Studies), Shauna Pomerantz (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)

Assistant Professors
Naomi Andrews (Child and Youth Studies), Dan Cui (Child and Youth Studies), Ann Farrell (Child and Youth Studies), Chelsea Jones (Child and Youth Studies), Matt Kwan (Child and Youth Studies), Erin Panda (Child and Youth Studies)

Graduate Program Director
Hannah Dyer
chysgpd@brocku.ca

Graduate Administrative Coordinator
Kimberly Anderson
905-688-5550, extension 5148
Cairns Building 353
https://brocku.ca/chys

Program Description

MA
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) 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 in 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.

PhD
The doctoral program reflects the growing importance of multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary perspectives and Child and Youth Studies. Students are expected to show evidence of integration across disciplines. The program provides a theoretical foundation for the study of children and youth and the application of social science research methods through the completion of a research-based dissertation. It is anticipated that graduates will pursue careers in academia, various public, NGO, and private employment opportunities.


Admission Requirements

MA

Successful completion of a 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. Students with an Honours Bachelor's degree in a non-related discipline who have demonstrated, through documented work-related experience, an interest in pursuing research with children and youth, may be considered. Agreement from a faculty member to supervise the student is also required for admission to the program.

In addition to the submission of transcripts, applicants will provide 1) a statement outlining research interests, 2) an indication of research experience, 3) a ranking of preferred faculty member (s) supervisors and how this person is best suited to your research interests, 4) a recent example of written work, 5) two references, and 6) current curriculum vitae.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Part-time study is available.

PhD
Successful completion of a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant social sciences discipline with an average of not less than 80% (A-). Successful completion of CHYS 5F01 (Quantitative and Qualitative of methods), CHYS 5P00 (Sociocultural Foundations) and CHYS 5P10 (Psychological Foundations), or their equivalent, is also required. Applicants that lack these courses may potentially take them in their first year of study. Agreement from a faculty member to supervise a student is also required for admission to the program.

In addition to the submission of transcripts, applicants will provide 1) a statement outlining research interests, 2) an indication of research experience, 3) a ranking of preferred faculty member (s) supervisors and how this person is best suited to your research interests, 4) a recent example of written work, 5) two references, and 6) current curriculum vitae. An interview with potential supervisor or alternate may be required.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates while the department as a whole will evaluate the candidacy of all accelerated applicants.

Part-time study is not available.


Degree Requirements

MA
Students will consult with the Graduate Program Director and their thesis supervisor when planning a program of study. Degree requirements include: CHYS 5N01; CHYS 5F01; CHYS 5F90; CHYS 5P00 and CHYS 5P10; plus one half course elective. Students are encouraged to consult with their thesis advisor when planning their elective course. The elective may be an independent guided study, a 5(alpha)00 to 5(alpha)99 level course from within the Department of Child and Youth Studies, a 5(alpha)00 to 5(alpha)99 level course from another graduate department (requires supervisor and GPD approval) or an equivalent level course from another Ontario University (requires supervisor and GPD approval). In addition, all students will be required to attend the Colloquium Seminar Series each year of the program which will consist of guest lectures. Additional credits may be required of candidates with insufficient preadmission background.

PhD
Admitted students will consult the Graduate Program Director and their dissertation supervisor when planning a program of study. Degree requirements include: CHYS 7P10 or 7P15; CHYS 7P20, 7P30 and 7P40; CHYS 7P91 and 7P92; and CHYS 7F90. All students are also required to attend the Colloquium Seminar Series each year of the program, CHYS 7N01 and 7N02. Additional credits may be required for candidates with insufficient preadmission background.

Comprehensive Examinations
Continued enrolment in the doctoral program requires the successful completion of the comprehensive examinations by the end of the second year. The comprehensive examinations include two components, each representing three to four months of work. The first component is a breadth component that requires students to study a topic significantly different from the dissertation topic. The second component emphasizes depth of study related to the student’s dissertation topic. The specific format of each comprehensive component is determined in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee, the Graduate Program committee and/or external individuals (breadth component). The diversity in the format and content of these examinations will ensure that students obtain the skills and knowledge required for their targeted sector of employment. For example, possible placements for students with an applied career interest versus a literature review for students with an academic career interest. See the CHYS PhD Handbook for additional details.

Thesis

MA
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.

PhD
In addition to the course requirements, a research-based dissertation that demonstrates the capacity for independent work must be completed.

The dissertation committee is composed of the student's supervisor and two other faculty members associated with the program. The dissertation topic will be selected in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee. A dissertation proposal will be evaluated by the student's dissertation committee before the research may formally begin. An open oral defence of the dissertation is required with the participation of the student’s dissertation committee as well as examiners internal and external to Brock who are both external to the department. The dissertation will demonstrate the student’s capacity for the creation and pursuit of a novel program of high quality research.

Facilities

The department has a quiet graduate student office equipped with computers and printers intended to be used for course work, reading and writing. There are a limited number of lockers for students. The department also has video equipment, meeting room, lounge, and faculty labs that may be made available to graduate students.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details.

Students must 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 5F90
MA Thesis
Students will prepare a thesis by 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
Introduction to professional skills relevant to graduate students. Topics may include grant writing, research ethics, presenting at conferences, and scholarly writing. Opportunities for interaction among MA and PhD students will be offered.

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.
Restriction: Subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director

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.
Restriction: Subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director

CHYS 5P29
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.

CHYS 5Q30
Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research with Children and Youth
(also offered as ADST 5Q30)
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 5V01-5V09
Special Topics in Child and Youth Studies
A specialized topic in child and youth studies that will vary by instructor.

CHYS 5V01
Advanced Topics in Children and Youth with Exceptionalities
An exploration of issues related to children and youth with exceptionalities. Topics will range broadly from psychological approaches, educational perspectives, and critical lenses around exceptionalities. Methodological and theoretical models of exceptionalities will be discussed.

CHYS 7F90
PhD Dissertation
The preparation and public defence of a dissertation that makes a substantial contribution to scientific knowledge and demonstrates the candidate's ability for independent research, integration of knowledge and depth of understanding.

CHYS 7N01
Introductory Transdisciplinary Professional Seminar in CHYS
Introduction to transdisciplinary theory and practice as it intersects with children and youth, and an introduction to professional skills. Topics may include historical foundations of transdisciplinarity, grant writing, research ethics, presenting at conferences, teaching dossiers, community-based engagement, and scholarly writing. Opportunities for interaction among MA and PhD students will be offered.
Note: This course will be evaluated as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

CHYS 7N02
Advanced Transdisciplinary Professional Seminar in CHYS
Advanced exploration of transdisciplinary theory and practice as it intersects with children and youth, and support for the comprehensive examinations. Topics may include transdisciplinary research teams, critical and Indigenous knowledge systems, digital and/or global citizenship, chaos and complexity theory, and Quantum theory as each of these topics intersect and re-define constructions of child and youth theory/research/policy and professional practice. Opportunities for interaction among MA and PhD students will be offered.
Note: This course will be evaluated as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

CHYS 7P10
Advanced Qualitative Methods in Social Research with Children and Youth
Explores ethical, epistemological, ontological, and methodological issues related to qualitative research with a particular focus on children and youth. Philosophical assumptions and interpretive frameworks in qualitative research will be discussed, as will the design, conduct, critical interpretation and evaluation of research.

CHYS 7P15
Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Research with Children and Youth
Statistical analysis and computer implementations of quantitative methods, emphasizing methodology issues in research with children and youth. Advanced longitudinal, multivariate methods such as structural equation modeling, latent growth curve modeling and related techniques.

CHYS 7P20
Advanced Special Topics in Child and Youth Development
An exploration of child and youth development from scientific principles aimed at better understanding normative and formative processes. The theoretical and methodological application of developmental psychology to issues within child and youth studies.

CHYS 7P30
Advanced Special Topics in Exceptionalities Amongst Children and Youth
An exploration of research and applied clinical issues. Methodological and theoretical tools used to understand children and youth with exceptionalities.

CHYS 7P40
Advanced Special Topics in the Sociocultural Study of Children, Childhood and Youth
An exploration of advanced topics in child and youth studies using a sociocultural lens. The application of sociocultural theories and methods within child and youth studies.

CHYS 7P91
Comprehensive Examinations: Part I
The form and content of comprehensives is determined by the student's supervisory committee and in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.
Restriction: Subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director
Note: This course will be evaluated as Credit/No-Credit.

CHYS 7P92
Comprehensive Examinations: Part II
The form and content of comprehensives is determined by the student's supervisory committee and in consultation with the Graduate Program Director.
Restriction: Subject to approval by the Graduate Program Director
Note: This course will be evaluated as Credit/No-Credit.