Learning Goals for the Graduate Programs

General Learning Goals

  • Students will be able to demonstrate learning (knowledge, skills, awareness) in the multidisciplinary field of Childhood Studies through broad reading, sustained writing, in-depth research and critical analysis in topics related to understanding children and childhood today and in the past, both locally and globally. In addition, graduates will create new knowledge in the field of childhood studies demonstrated by extensive research projects (the MA paper and doctoral dissertation).

Specific Learning Goals for the Master’s Program

  • Students will exhibit knowledge of the cultural and historical particularities of childhood.
  • Students will be able to discuss and analyze childhood in relation to relevant global and transnational contexts and structures as these differentially inform the lives and experiences of children.
  • Students will be able to evaluate child identities in relation to constructs of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and gender.
  • Students will demonstrate familiarity in at least two major research methods, and competence in one, appropriate to the study of children and childhoods. 
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, apply research knowledge, argue persuasively and in an organized manner, and to write fluently and well.
  • Students will demonstrate a capacity for independent research.

Specific Learning Goals for the Doctoral Program

  • Students will exhibit knowledge of the cultural and historical particularities of childhood.
  • Students will exhibit knowledge of the various theories, paradigms, debates and perspective of childhood studies.  
  • Students will be able to discuss and analyze childhood in relation to relevant global and transnational contexts and structures, as these differentially inform the lives and experiences of children.
  • Students will be able to evaluate child identities in relation to constructs of race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and gender.
  • Students will demonstrate familiarity with at least three major research methods, and competence in one, appropriate to the study of children and childhoods. 
  • Students will develop expertise in at least three fields of study relevant to research on children and childhood.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, apply research knowledge, argue persuasively and contribute to the creation of new knowledge.