EDF4031 - Sociology of early childhood - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Education

Chief examiner(s)

Iris Duhn

Unit guides

Offered

Peninsula

  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the sociology of childhood and critical childhood studies as important disciplinary fields of their work. Particular emphasis is given to children's participation and contribution as a socio-political issue. Students engage with research to investigate a range of issues in relation to contemporary childhood. Sociological research questions are raised including questions about children's identity, belonging to and participation in communities, gender, environmental issues and diversity. Students engage with notions of local and global citizenship from sociological perspectives to critically reflect on children's role in society. With a focus on the present and future, students are encouraged to investigate how early years education providers are responding to the critical issues raised in the unit.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the sociology of childhood and critical childhood studies as important disciplinary fields that inform their work
  2. develop research questions to critically examine sociological issues, such as children's identity, belonging, participation, gender, environmental issues and diversity
  3. demonstrate the capacity to begin to research childhood
  4. critically reflect on and engage with critical issues in the context of early years' provision.

Assessment

Literature review: Sociology of childhood (1600 words, 40%)

Research task: Design a proposal for research in sociology of childhood issues in local community contexts (2400 words equivalent, 60%)

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

  1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
    • 2 contact hours per week
  2. Requirements for on-campus block City-based students:
    • one intensive weekend block
    • at least 4 hours of active online engagement in Moodle activities per term
  3. Additional requirements:
    • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

See also Unit timetable information

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