A unique new interdisciplinary degree program, Child and Youth Studies, will be offered as both a General and Honours degree, with a focus on how children and youth learn through play, and understanding the “curriculum of being a child”. With a strong foundation in sociology, psychology, and education this degree inspires students to think about child and youth development through the eyes of a child. Using a non-traditional and asset oriented view of child and youth, the program will consider creative engagement and how children play with simple and complex ideas such as: family and belonging; citizenship and collaboration; identity and emotional development; cognition and intellectual development; playing with math ideas, language and literature; and fantasy play and the imagination. Students will learn about child and youth rights and legal issues, and how children develop emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically. They will also gain a deep understanding of how to apply playful pedagogies for learning, especially in the areas of math and language. The curriculum will have a rich focus on creative engagement, theatre and the arts.

The honours degree will include a placement course in the fourth year and will provide graduates with a pathway into Trent’s Consecutive BEd program through a limited number of reserved spaces. Graduates of this program will be well prepared to continue into graduate work. As a graduate of the degree, students will have a deep understanding of the issues affecting the lives of young people.