HIST 204 - History of Childhood

(3 credits)

This course will survey the history of childhood, focusing primarily upon the modern West, but also providing an overview of major historiographical debates regarding earlier periods. Students will examine changing constructions and conceptions of childhood, as well as the ways in which historical forces shaped children’s lives and experiences. The course will focus upon changing conceptions of childhood in history, and will consider the significance of key issues that have affected the historical experience of childhood, such as relationships between children and their parents, child labor in agriculture and industry, the education of children, healthcare, and movements to rescue children from poverty and the streets. As needed.