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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


SP20099 Childhood: sociological perspectives & policy issues

Credits: 6
Level: Intermediate
Semester: 2
Assessment: CW 100%
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take SP10001 and take SP10002
Aims: To introduce sociological theories of childhood(s) and then to examine a range of social policies that impact on children in the UK.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the Unit students should know about: Key writings on the sociological theories of childhood; historical and contemporary debates about the nature of childhood; major social policy issues and the ways these impact on children and young people.
Skills:
By the end of the Unit students should be able to:
* Think creatively and analytically;
* Communicate an argument;
* Evaluate others' arguments and research;
* Learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying);
* Critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information;
* Gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.);
* Select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge;
* Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding;
* Utilise problem solving skills;
* Analyse and evaluate innovative practices in students' relevant degree discipline;
* Effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments;
* Use study & learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing);
* Apply basic ICT skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information);
* Undertake essay research &, preparation, use writing skills;
* Construct a bibliography of varying complexity;
* Use time-management and administrative skills;
* Reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development;
* Solve problems in a variety of situations;
* Manage time effectively and respond to changing demands;
* Prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills.
Content:
Definitions and models of childhood. Children's rights; children and the law. Generation and agency; Children and social policy: poverty, health; education and child care; housing; children and the personal social services; vulnerable children (disabled children; traveller children; asylum seekers and refugees; child exploitation; children and the criminal justice system).