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SP20099: Understanding childhood: sociological perspectives & policy issues

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (100%) (CW 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: SP20099 - Coursework only (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take SP10001 AND take SP10002
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
In this course we will be looking at the social construction of childhood, and the different perceptions of children and childhood that have dominated our understanding of childhood and social policy. During the unit we will discuss key sociological theories of childhood(s) and examine the changing conditions of contemporary childhoods, including real and imagined childhoods and the impact of post-modernism and consumption on children's everyday lives. The governance of childhood and the role of the state in children's lives will be critically examined and a range of social policies that impact on children in the UK will be explored.

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.
* Utilise a child-centred perspective for the analysis of theory and policy
* 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:
History of childhood, Definitions and models of childhood including developmentalism, socialisation and new social studies of childhood; Governance of childhood and children's rights; Generation and agency; Post-modern childhood, the virtual child and imagined childhoods; children and consumption; Children and social policy:, The social investment state, poverty, childcare and parental employment. Is childhood in crisis and what is a good childhood?
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP20099 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

SP20099 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.