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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Children in Society II: Children and Contemporary Society |
| Unit code |
SOWK10002 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Aghtaie |
| Open unit status |
Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None
|
| Co-requisites |
None
|
| School/department |
School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Description including Unit Aims
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this unit considers children's place in contemporary society. Children's rights under the UN Convention and UK law are considered in some detail. European and international perspectives, as well as diversity within the UK, are drawn upon to examine varying perceptions of children and their rights, needs and responsibilities. Attention is paid to the ways in which these perceptions are reflected in law, policy and provision and their implications for children.
Aims:
- To consider the diverse nature of children’s experiences and place in society
- To consider contemporary debates about children’s needs, rights and responsibilities
- To consider the ways in which differing perspectives on childhood are reflected in policy, allocation of resources and responsibilities between parents and children.
After successful completion of the unit, the student will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the diversity in children’s lives and experiences,
- an awareness of the main contemporary theories and debates on children’s rights, needs and responsibilities,
- an ability to draw on interdisciplinary knowledge to analyse some of the ways in which differing perspectives on childhood will be reflected in state policies and allocation of resources and in approaches to research and theory in this area.
There will be an emphasis throughout on children’s rights
Intended Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the unit, the student will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of the diversity in children’s lives and experiences,
- an awareness of the main contemporary theories and debates on children’s rights, needs and responsibilities,
- an ability to draw on interdisciplinary knowledge to analyse some of the ways in which differing perspectives on childhood will be reflected in state policies and allocation of resources and in approaches to research and theory in this area.
There will be an emphasis throughout on children’s rights
Teaching Information
Lectures and classes. Group investigation and presentation of an assigned topic. Group activities/ exercises.
Assessment Information
Formative assessment is by:
(a) a seminar presentation of a small group project which has been jointly researched, and
(b) an essay of not more than 2,500 words on a topic chosen from a list of options.
Summative assessment is by 3 hour unseen examination
Reading and References
- Boushel, M., Fawcett, M., Selwyn, J. (2000) Focus on Early Childhood, Oxford, Blackwell
- Hill, M. and Tisdall, K. (1997), Children & Society, London: Longman
- Freeman, M. (1993) ‘Laws, Conventions and Rights’, Children and Society, 7:1, 37-48
- James, A. & Prout, A. (1997) 2nd edition. Constructing and reconstructing childhood: contemporary issues in the sociological study of childhood, London: Falmer Press
- Prout, A. and James, A., (1998), Theorizing Childhood, London: Falmer Press
- Woodhead, M. and Montgomery, H. (eds.) (2002) Understanding Childhood: An inter-disciplinary approach, HQ767.9 UND 7 day loan
