Overview

Topics covered by the module may include:

• Sociological and anthropological perspectives on childhood and youth; youth cultures and sub-cultures; • The impact of sociological constructs of childhood on policy and legislation; • Children’s participation rights in practice; • Ideas about childhood across history and cultures; • Labelled children (street children, child soldiers, working children etc); • Cultural meanings of childhood & youth; • Images and portrayals of children & young people; • children and young people as consumers; - Children and young people as 'digital natives' • Cross-cultural research with children and young people.

The module will be covered via a mixture of lectures, workshops, participatory seminars and tutorials.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%, Pass: Some consideration given to planning and structure, limited in depth of analysis and use of research, but demonstrating some understanding of the subject matter.

-good -60-69%, Merit: Shows significant insight, offers sustained and relevant analysis, well researched and referenced and written with a clear structure and style.

-excellent -70-84%, Distinction: Demonstrates excellence in power of analysis, argument, originality, range of research, organisation and stylistic quality.85-100%,Distinction: Outstanding work which demonstrates exceptional scholarship and is worthy of publication, or instrumental in developing professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically reflect on social, cultural and political perspectives of childhood and youth.

• Demonstrate a critically informed understanding and knowledge of contemporary issues which impact the lives of children and young people

• Demonstrate informed and reflective insight into methodological and ethical issues in child/young person centred research

• Evaluate the significance and influence of theoretical perspectives of childhood and youth on contemporary practice contexts.