Childhood Studies Courses

The following child policy courses are now permanent course offerings within the Childhood Studies minor.  Scroll down or follow the links below for descriptions and cross-listings for each course:





Child Policy (CHST 301)

Child Policy (CHST 301) gives undergraduate students an overview of the policy-making process and introduces them to key child policy issues. Policies related to child poverty, schooling, child welfare, and children's physical and mental health are considered at the local, state, and federal levels. Students will learn how policy is developed, including how research informs policy and vice versa.




Experiential Learning in Child Policy (CHST 302)

The Experiential Learning in Child Policy course gives students an in-depth understanding of state and federal legislation impacting children, youth, and families. The course includes an experiential learning component in which students visit Washington, D.C. or Columbus, OH to meet with policymakers and see the legislative process in action. 

CHST 302 is a 3-credit course which can be taken twice: once for travel to Washington, D.C., and once for travel to Columbus, OH (offered on an alternating basis). 

This course requires permission for enrollment.  To request permission, click the link below to login to SIS and follow the steps detailed in the second link.  You will receive a confirmation email when permission has been granted.  Confirmation of permission is not confirmation of enrollment - you must return to SIS to register for the course after permission is granted.




Child Policy Externship (CHST 398)

This course provides students with externships in child policy.  These externships give students an opportunity to work directly with professionals who design and implement policies that impact the lives of children and their families. Agencies involved are active in the areas of childcare, education, juvenile justice, and physical and mental health.  Students apply for the externship.  Selected students are placed in a local child policy agency.  An individualized learning plan is developed in consultation with the Childhood Studies Program faculty, the supervisor in the agency, and the student.


Child Policy Externship and Capstone (CHST/ANTH/PSCL 398C)

Usually in their senior year, CWRU students participate in a one- or two-semester capstone project, culminating in a final public presentation of their work in a university-wide celebration of scholarship and service.  Capstones demonstrate the knowledge, initiative, problem-solving skills, and powers of communication that students have acquired as undergraduates.  The Schubert Center offers the option of undertaking a Capstone in Child Studies, which can be incorporated with the Child Policy Externship or designed through independent study with a professor.  Students receiving capstone credit for their externship should enroll in CHST 398C or one of its cross-listings.  CHST 398C is cross-listed and available for capstone credit in the departments of anthropology (ANTH 398C) and psychology (PSCL 398C).

CHST 398/398C is a 3-credit course and may be taken twice for a total of 6 credit hours.  Prerequisite: CHST 301 or consent from the instructor.  For more information, click on the following links:

Information and application instructions for Mann Child Policy Externships


This course requires permission for enrollment.  To request permission, click the link below to login to SIS and follow the steps detailed in the second link.  You will receive a confirmation email when permission has been granted.  Confirmation of permission is not confirmation of enrollment - you must return to SIS to register for the course after permission is granted.




Independent Study (CHST/ANTH 399, PSCL 397, SASS 390, SOCI 375)

Students may propose their own topics for independent reading and research.  This allows students to focus on the aspect of child studies that most interests them while fostering independent research skills.  Independent study credits for the childhood studies minor are offered through the childhood studies program as well as through the School of Applied Social Sciences and the departments of anthropology, psychology, and sociology.  This course is available for 1-6 credits.