Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This child and youth development unit will introduce the concept of child and youth development within a person-in-environment perspective as the foundation for further units. The unit promotes the optimum development of children and adolescents with both normal and special needs thus ensuring that they are able to be effective within all the contexts in which they function. This occurs within a historical context of the profession's development which is explored together with an overview of expectations placed on the child and youth care worker in various settings.

Objectives

The objectives lie within five inter-related bands. These concern:

1. factual information;
2. sources and resources;
3. conceptual definitions;
4. academic debates; and
5. analytic communication skills. Upon successful completion of this unit, learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge of and familiarity with the following types of information, academic perspectives and skills.

1. Understand the study field of child and youth care in South Africa
2. Explore the historical development of child and youth development services in South Africa
3. Describe the principles of 'lifespace' work
4. Acquire an orientation of expectations of child and youth care workers in the various child and youth development practice contexts
5. Use appropriate science and technology ethically, effectively and responsibly when dealing with childhood problems without harming society, the environment or individuals.
6. Practice in oral communication on child and youth development to deal effectively with childhood development challenges

Assessment

Tutorial Contribution (450 words): 10%
Major essay (2 x 900 words):40%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures per week + One 1-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Child and youth development