Course requirements:

1. Research and write a paper on any topic related to child advocacy. Length: 4-5 pages; references: 2-6, depending on your topic and writing style. You will turn in your paper by posting it on your web site. This is easier to do than you might think.

2. Participate in "hands-on advocacy" of your choice, either direct or indirect service to children's needs or well-being, for any amount of time that you choose (no minimum).

3. Submit a one-page report about your "hands-on advocacy" experience, as described above.

4. Short reading and writing assignments. You do not have to buy a textbook.

5. Participate in discussions and special in-class activities, as well as listening to speakers.

6. Come to class! Traditionally, a "colloquium" is a unique opportunity to hear a variety of guest speakers. Unexcused absences will result in a lowering of your grade. (Please contact Steve Wright ahead of time if you have a problem 314-5909.)

Colloquium topics will be grouped as much as possible into three categories, roughly one per month. The first third of the semester will be devoted to topics related to children's general development, the second third to selected issues of health and safety, and the final third to economic well-being as well as education. We will devote the bulk of a class period at the end of each of these units to a small-group discussion reviewing and expanding on the material.

Because the guest speakers are restricted by their own schedules, we will have to be flexible in terms of the dates on which they will speak to us. Nevertheless, the following dates are already set:

UNIT 1: CHILDREN'S GENERAL DEVELOPMENT (Feb. 3 - Mar. 10)

Feb. 3 - Suzanne Randolf, Dept. of Family Studies, UMCP

"The Role of the Family & School in Young Children's Development";

Paul Hahn, Director, Children's Developmental Clinic

"Volunteering at the Children's Developmental Clinic"

Feb. 10 - Albert Gardner, Dept. of Human Development, UMCP

"Freudian Views of Child Development"

Feb. 17 - Kenneth Rubin, Director, Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture, UMCP

"Social and Emotional Development in Early and Middle Childhood"

Feb. 24 - Valerie Dargan, Dept. of Family Studies, UMCP

"Developmental Aspects of Infant and Child Health"

Mar. 3 - Discussion of children's development issues;

Kerry Ann O'Meara, College Park Scholars

"Reflection on Service Learning"

Mar. 10 - Dana Plude, Dept. of Psychology, UMCP

"Cognitive Development in Children"

UNIT 2: SAFETY, HEALTH (Mar. 17 - Apr. 14)

Mar. 17 - Richard Panzer, Sexuality/STD Educator

"Effective Sexuality Education for Teenagers"

Mar. 24 - Spring Break

Mar. 31 - Tony Avendorf, Prince George's County Police Dept.

"Teenagers and Gangs"

Apr. 7 - Cynthia Hester, Clinical Supervisor of Mental Health Clinics

"Children and Mental Health Issues"

Apr. 14 - Discussion of health and safety issues

UNIT 3: ECONOMIC WELL-BEING, EDUCATION (Apr. 21 - May 12)

Apr. 21 - Panel: "School Choice and Funding Issues"

Jennifer Rice, Dept. of Education Policy, Planning, & Administration, UMCP

John Paige, Dept. of Education Policy, Planning, & Administration, UMCP

Bertha Stewart, Principal, Paint Branch Elementary School (public magnet school)

Joy Morrow, Principal, New Hope Academy (private interreligious school)

Apr. 28 - Brenda Jones, Dept. of Human Development, UMCP

"Welfare and Children";

Welfare Game

May 5 - Terry Lawlah, Community Services Coalition

"Teen Drug Abuse"

May 5 - Final Session

Discussion;

"This Is Your Lifeline" simulation

Your TA's will be Eric DaSilva (703) 323-5659 (local call) and Keisha Stewart 474-9559.

1125 Cumberland Hall University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-9331