Overview

The module will consider the diverse experiences of families across a number of areas that affect children and young people. These will include topics such as: - What is family? - Parents: who are they and what do they do? - Divorce, separation and loss. - Sexuality, gender identity and the family. - The construction of childhood within the family. - Making the decision to have children. - The media and the portrayal of family. - Family mental health. - The environment, families and children. - The importance of brothers and sisters. - The role of the extended family in the modern world. - The world beyond the family and its impact on family life. - How family shapes the child and how children shape the family.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%, Pass: Clear evidence of planning leading to a good structure, sound understanding of theories and analysis, and good use of research supported by appropriate evidence. -good -60-69%, Merit: Shows significant insight, offers sustained and relevant analysis, well researched and referenced and written with a clear structure and style.50-59%, Pass: Clear evidence of planning leading to a good structure, sound understanding of theories and analysis, and good use of research supported by appropriate evidence. -excellent -85-100%, Distinction: Outstanding work which demonstrates exceptional scholarship and is worthy of publication, or instrumental in developing professional practice.70-84%, Distinction: Demonstrates excellence in power of analysis, argument, originality, range of research, organisation and stylistic quality.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the relationship between society, the individual and the family and explain the impact of these on the child’s experience and development.

• Apply a critical understanding of the key issues that affect family structure and dynamics to the work with children.

• Critically analyse the diversity of family structure, values, styles and dynamics and children’s participation in building these.

• Critically analyse what it is to be a child of a contemporary family.

• Evaluate how differences in families can affect the way in which work with children is undertaken and apply this to real world settings.