Children's Studies

York is the only university in Canada to offer a Humanities-based program in Children's Studies.

Ever wish someone listened to you as a child? York's Children's Studies program focuses on the experiences, knowledge and concerns of children. You will develop the ability to work with and for children and promote the rights and participation of children through inclusive practices and advocacy.

Children's Studies explores global childhood experiences in philosophical and social terms and their personal, societal and human consequences. Attention is paid to the nature and significance of children's culture — distinguishing between culture created by adults for children and the culture of children themselves. You will learn how to engage children, discern children's voices in historical and cultural contexts and come to understand the human condition from their perspective.

The Children's Studies program is truly interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, incorporating expertise and courses from programs such as sociology and psychology. Courses include The World of Childhood, Listening to Children: Ethics and Methodology of Child-Centered Studies and Contemporary Children's Culture Internships/Practicums. You are required to participate in community-based programs involving local schools and are encouraged to take part in advocacy work.

Graduates of this program can pursue a wide-range of careers including counsellors, social workers, lawyers, teachers, librarians and international development workers.

What makes Children's Studies unique?

York is home to the Canadian Children's Culture Collection, a major archive of child-related materials including York-based studies and unique toy collections designed by children.

Learn with professors that are actively involved in childhood research and are on the leading edge of storytelling and bullying research in Canada.

Join a child/youth-centred club or association. Local chapters of the advocacy groups “Free the Children” and “Right to Play” are found on York's campus and play an important role in the program. The York student club Peace by PEACE works with children, empowering them to prevent, manage and resolve conflict peacefully.

Did you know.... York hosts the LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution. The Centre supports, conducts and disseminates the results of research on violence and conflict resolution. It also includes a Child/Youth Violence Research Group that supports research and community outreach.

For more information, contact the Coordinator of the program, Carole Carpenter