Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Youth Studies

The Childhood and Youth Studies (CYS) department at King's focuses on the often-overlooked subject of childhood from an interdisciplinary perspective. Thus, we look at childhood from sociological, anthropological, historical, and geographical perspectives. We discuss issues such as child competencies, questions about our understandings of childhood, and an exploration of the changing status of children and childhood in Canada and internationally. We take a critical view of the social institutions around childhood, such as the home, schools, and the legal system. Issues of children as advocates, children’s rights, and children’s agency feature prominently in our courses. Students will deepen their knowledge in the subject area and will gain skills in critical thinking and social and historical analysis, as well as understanding how childhood is experienced by children.

Founded in 1954, King’s University College at Western University is a Catholic liberal arts university college affiliated with a large, world-class university. King’s students enjoy “The Best of Both Worlds” – learning in small classes led by outstanding faculty on a small, beautiful campus while enjoying the experiences of being part of a comprehensive university. King’s students have complete access to all the facilities and services at Western University and graduate with a Western degree. As a Catholic university, King emphasizes the value of each individual and the importance of social justice. Students from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome. Respect for the human person is behind our commitment to diversity, accessibility, social justice, and building the common good. Being an inclusive, supportive community is one of King's greatest strengths.

King’s is recognized, both nationally and internationally, for its excellent academic programs, commitment to research excellence, generous scholarships, and comprehensive student services. Offering degree programs in the arts, social sciences, management, and social work [both BSW (honors) and MSW], King’s is home to approximately 3500 full- and part-time students from across Canada as well as 35 other countries.

Our Mission

King’s is a public Catholic University College engaged in the open pursuit of truth and the discovery and sharing of knowledge in service to humanity. By integrating academic programs rooted in the liberal arts with comprehensive student support, King's creates an inclusive and empowering space for students by nourishing their capacity for critical thought, articulate expression, creativity, and ethical action.

Statement on Academic Freedom

The common good of society depends upon the search for knowledge and its free exposition. Academic freedom is recognized by King's as essential to the life and functioning of the University as an institution of higher learning and as a center for research and scholarship. Academic freedom does not imply neutrality on the part of the individual. Rather, it is academic freedom that makes commitment possible. The right to academic freedom carries with it the duty to use that freedom in a responsible way in the instruction of students, in the production of scholarly work, and in the efficient functioning of the College. All Faculty have a responsibility to promote or at least respect the Catholic identity of the College.

All Faculty Members are entitled: to carry out their research and publish its results; to teach, to employ a pedagogical style of their choice; to be creative; to select, acquire, disseminate, and use documents of their choice in the exercise of their professional activities; and to criticize the University and the Association in a responsible way, irrespective of any prescribed doctrine and free from any and all institutional censorship. Faculty Members shall not be hindered or impeded in any way by the Employer or the Faculty Association in exercising their contractual rights as members of the College community or legal rights as citizens of the community at large, nor shall they suffer any penalties because of the exercise of such legal rights. Finally, Faculty Members have the right to cite affiliation with and title at King’s University College when exercising their rights of action or expression. Faculty Members shall, however, endeavor to ensure that their actions or expressions are not interpreted as representing the official position of King’s University College.