Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
SP20099: Childhood: sociological perspectives & policy issues |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | SP20099 - Coursework only (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take SP10001 and take SP10002 |
| Description: | 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). |