Interesting Classes for All: The CAMS Minor

Most important to note is that the only class required for this program is Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. Following that requirement, students can select from dozens of exciting courses to complete the CAMS minor. They can select these unique classes according to their own interests and passions.

Still, I should admit I am a student in NYU Steinhardt’s Teaching and Learning department! Since the CAMS minor related to my Early Childhood Education and Special Education major, my adviser recommended it to me. It was certainly a great recommendation. I’ve taken CAMS classes that closely relate to other education classes and help with my student teaching.

And while this minor is especially common among Psychology, Nursing, and Social Work majors, there is no one type of CAMS student. I’ve had classmates from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study to the Stern School of Business. But the beauty of a minor with so many fascinating electives? There is an interesting class for everyone.

How many of your college classes will have picture books on the syllabus?

In this interesting course, we spent the first half of the semester using picture books to explore developmental child psychology. What’s more, we examined important issues of those stages. Following that section of the class, we transitioned to longer middle-grade fiction. Then we continued our discussions on topics such as trust, autonomy, and family and peer relationships.

I loved getting to take a deeper look at favorite books from my childhood like Goodnight Moon and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

As someone who adores music and the arts, this class was perfect for me! I was able to learn about how musical influences and experiences aid development, the evolution of musical abilities, and the connection between various brain areas and musicality. In my favorite unit of the course, we discussed the role of lullabies and early musical interactions between babies and caregivers. 

My favorite thing about this course is that I never knew what to expect. The professors used a “flipped classroom” model where my classmates and I were responsible for presenting the material in a creative and engaging way to our peers every week. The class explored scientific, clinical, cultural, and artistic perspectives on the role of play in a lifetime. We used songs, games, and practical activities to cover the material.