The Afterschool Hours

The family and the school are seen as the two primary institutions of childhood. But what about the space in between? Over the course of the twentieth century—once compulsory schooling became law—the way American children occupied the hours between school and home became ever more important. This course examines the literature on how youth should “best” spend their afterschool time. Looking at enrichment courses, sports, work, leisure, and more, this class introduces you to the social science method of interviewing as you learn to undertake your own original research and reflect on how you spent your own afterschool hours.