AZA1285 - Child and youth development in South Africa: A person-in-environment perspective - 2017

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.

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

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Associate Professor Rika Swanzen

Child and youth development - South Africa

ATS1285