CommEng to Policy in ChildSoc

1.5 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

The UNXD-204 is a prerequisite for students to enroll in this module. In this module that runs for the second half of the semester, students will continue along the Challenges in Childhood and Society thematic pathway from community engagement to public policy in childhood and society by analyzing and evaluating programs and policies serving children and families in a systematic nature. More specifically, its purview includes the origin and effect of health, education, and social policies on children and families using a legal lens and with an international focus. This course will further explore the juvenile and criminal justice systems as contexts in which a significant number of children and adolescents develop. The community-based learning component can include visits to local courts, correctional facilities, and legislative proceedings, among others. While on-site, students and faculty engage in direct observation, interviews, and/or field study of children, families, and system stakeholders in context and under the guidance of expert professionals. Community-based learning is an innovative and immersive educational experience. The course seeks to foster students’ understanding of children’s unique health and psychological needs, and emerging social relationship structures in an up-close manner with ample opportunity for learning and reflection. This course runs for 2 class periods on Thursday mornings. In combination with other 1.5 credit modules from our thematic pathway series, the 3 credits can be bundled to make a whole course. See also UNXD-204 for more information on this semester's thematic pathway course module.