The Childhood and Youth Studies Minor explores the formative stages of human life from the vantage point of literature, history, psychology, and social sciences. By examining how children and youth have been viewed and shaped by culture, society, media, and institutions, and how young people are historical actors and agents of change, the program equips students with a deep understanding of the early life stage from different disciplinary perspectives. This innovative Minor offers students a solid foundation on which to build a rewarding life and career in education, medicine, law, academia, research, policy, or public advocacy.
What You'll Gain
Critical Thinking. Learn to question, evaluate, and critique systems.
Communication Skills. Strengthen oral and written expression.
Analytical Tools. Practice critical analysis, read texts critically, and cultivate creativity.
Interdisciplinarity. Cultivate skills in thinking and working across disciplines.
Social Insight. Understand rights, exclusions, and oppression in the past and present.
Advocacy Skills. Learn skills to highlight, challenge, and change societal wrongs and affect policy.
What You'll Study
Courses with a focus on children, childhood, and youth in areas like:
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Communication
- History
- World Cultures
- Sociology
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Childhood & Youth Studies Minor Requirements
Review the minor requirements, explore the official website housing within the Comparative Literature department and download the Childhood & Youth Studies Minor Sheet.
Complete the following:
- C LIT 40 (or C LIT W 40): Introduction to Childhood Studies
20 UD units required, distributed as follows:
A) Core Course (4 units):
- C LIT 128A: Children's Literature
B) Interdisciplinary Courses (12 units). Complete 3 courses from at least 2 subject areas listed below:
- Literature, Media, and Communication
- Black Studies 193E
- Comparative Literature 115, 186JJ, 189
- Communication 124, 133, 154
- English 146GB, 146PB, 147VN, 192FE
- Film and Media Studies 150AD, 150T
- French 153C
- Italian 101
- Theater 143
2. History, Culture, and Society
- Anthropology 108, 170
- Asian American Studies 136, 139
- Black Studies 122, 137E
- Chicano Studies 161, 187
- East Asian Culture Studies 136, 166
- Economics 151, 154
- Film and Media Studies 192PM
- Geography 141A
- History 144J, 175D
- Japanese 165, 180JY
- Slavic Studies 181 (by petition and only with Prof. Weld)
3. Language, Psychology, and Sociology
- Linguistics 129, 137, 138
- Psychology 105, 124, 156L, 160DW, 160ZL
- Sociology 144LY, 154A, 155T, 170J
C) Capstone Experience (4 units), select one of the following options:
- Comparative Literature 182: Critical Childhood Studies (taught every other year)
- Comparative Literature 194: Capstone Project in Childhood & Youth Studies
- Independent Study, by petition (independent study related to childhood and youth studies). Enroll in either C LIT 199 or an internship in an independent study in another relevant department. Consult with CYS faculty advisor for suggestions.)
- Internship, by petition (community-based internship that involves engagement with children and youth). Enroll in C LIT 194I or an internship in another relevant department. Consult with CYS faculty advisor for suggestions.
Every Child Has a Story—Learn How to Champion Theirs.
Contact the CLIT department with your questions, request additional information, or to declare the Childhood & Youth Studies Minor.
Comparative Literature Undergraduate Advisor
Location:
4206 Phelps Hall