BA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences: Childhood Studies Concentration/ BS in Early Childhood Education: Co-concentration in Childhood Studies

The Childhood Studies concentration fosters an interdisciplinary exploration of the many factors that shape the cultural construct of the child and family in society. This concentration draws upon the fields of anthropology, literature, history, psychology, education, law, sociology and the natural sciences. Students will gain a rich and multi-faceted liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and specialized knowledge about children and families in social contexts, in the US and globally. Upon successful completion of the concentration, students will be able to use multiple disciplines to examine critical issues in the field, including health, education, disability, nutrition/obesity, law, the environment, human rights, and public policy.

Total credits required: 32 (at least 20 must be completed in residence in the IAS Department)

Required Major Courses (12 credits): IAS 24200, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies(4) IAS 23324, Advanced Composition OR IAS 23304, The Essay (4) SPAN 22504, Intermediate Spanish (4)

Select 2 Foundational Courses in consultation with advisor (8 credits): ANTH 26504, Language and Society (4) IAS 10800, Doing Social Research (4) PSC 12504, Introduction to Public Policy (4) PSY 22604, Introduction to Life Span Development OR PSY 24604, Introduction to Human Development: Infancy and Childhood OR PSY 25604, Introduction to Human Development: Adolescence and Youth (4)

Select 3 Elective Courses in consultation with advisor (12 credits): Students may select from a wide range of approved electives in Anthropology, Education, English, Film, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology, as well as many interdisciplinary electives. See the Schedule of Classes for specific courses approved for this elective.

Honors: Students interested in a Capstone experience may consider taking IAS 30100-30300, Honors Research, once they have completed the Required Major Courses and the two Foundational Courses for their concentration. Students are strongly advised to take IAS 10800, Doing Social Research, before considering Honors Research in Childhood Studies.