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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, Tom O'Neill, Frances Owen, Professors Maureen Connolly (Kinesiology), Suzanne Curtin, Maurice Feldman (Applied Disability Studies), Jan Frijters, Voula Marinos (Child and Youth Studies), John McNamara, Richard Mitchell, Shannon Moore, Shauna Pomerantz, Rebecca Raby, Tony Volk, Terrance Wade (Health Sciences), Dawn Zinga Associate Professors Heather Chalmers, Dan Cui, Hannah Dyer, Matt Kwan, Danielle Molnar, Christine Tardif-Williams, Donato Tarulli, Ayda Tekok-Kilic, Tricia Vause Assistant Professors Naomi Andrews, Ann Farrell, Chelsea Jones, Hunter Knight, Erin Panda, Heather Ramey Graduate Program Director Hannah Dyer Graduate Administrative Coordinator Melissa Donald 905-688-5550, extension 5148 Cairns Building 353 https://brocku.ca/chys |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. 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. 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. 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. Foundation I: Childhood, Youth and Society Multidisciplinary approach to current theoretical and conceptual issues of child and youth research encompassing the sociology, anthropology and political economy of childhood and youth. Foundation II: Issues in Child and Youth Development 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. 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 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 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. Special Topics in Child and Youth Studies Specialized topic in child and youth studies that will vary by instructor. PhD Dissertation 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Advanced Special Topics in Child and Youth Development 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. Advanced Special Topics in Bodymind Diversity: A Transdisciplinary Synthesis An exploration of research and applied clinical issues. Methodological and theoretical tools used to understand children and youth with bodymind diversity. Advanced Special Topics in the Sociocultural Study of Children, Childhood and Youth 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. Comprehensive Examinations: Part I 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. Comprehensive Examinations: Part II 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. |
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2023-2024 Graduate Calendar
Last updated: April 27, 2023 @ 10:20AM