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| Unit name |
Children in Society I: An introduction |
| Unit code |
SOWK10001 |
| Credit points |
20 |
| Level of study |
C/4
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Professor. Jo Staines |
| 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
This unit begins with an historical overview of significant perspectives on childhood during the last 300 years and examines how the concept of childhood has evolved. It includes philosophical views about child care and pedagogy up to and including the present period. Using an ecological framework, the lives of children, their parents and their communities are explored.
Aims:
The unit aims to consider at an introductory level:
- The concept of childhood and the inter-action of many factors in its construction.
- The use of historical sources to study childhood.
- The development of philosophies of children’s rights, education, family life and the role of the State since the 18th century
- The implementation of these ideas in legislation and societal norms.
- Educational writers and innovators: Locke, Rousseau, Froebel, Montessori and the McMillan sisters.
- The use of literature as a source in understanding childhood
Intended Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the development of the concept of childhood over the last 300 years
- Knowledge and understanding of the variety of perspectives on childhood, children’s rights and the role of family and state in that historical period
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of educational theorists
- An understanding of the appropriate use of historical and other sources to investigate childhood.
Teaching Information
Lectures and classes. Study of primary sources. Group work and presentations of assigned topics including own primary research.
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 2,000 words
Summative assessment is by 3 hour unseen examination
Reading and References
- Boushell, M. Fawcett, M. and Selwyn, J. (2000), Focus on Early Childhood: Principles and Realities, Blackwell Science.
- Cunningham, H. (1995) Children and Childhood in Western Society Since 1500, Essex, Longman.
- Fraser, D (3rd edition, 2003) The evolution of the British welfare state. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan
- Hendrick, H. (1997), Children, Childhood and English society 1880-1990, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. HQ 767.87 HEN (4 copies)
- Hendrick, H. (2003), Child Welfare Historical Dimensions, contemporary debates. Bristol, Policy Press. HV751.A6.HEN (9 copies)
