CHY6002 - Childhood and Youth in Social Context

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

(1) Evaluate relevant research and theory and demonstrate their knowledge of it;
(2) Evaluate critically the strengths and weaknesses of various methodological and theoretical approaches to specific issues in child and youth development;
(3) Assess the complex interaction between genetic, environmental and socio-cultural processes in the shaping of different models of childhood,
(4) Evaluate arguments and evidence related to current issues in specific areas of child development.

Content:

In this module, students will consider the evolutionary and cultural significance of early relationships in human development. They will examine attachment theory in the light of recent research evidence and cross-cultural perspectives. Evidence will be considered concerning childrens’ understanding of social relationships and examine the implications for theories in development. There will be an attempt to show how context, including cultural sources of consistency in young people’s thinking. Social development will be explored by considering the application of a social constructivist approach to the study of social development. Attention will be given to the development of personal identity within the cultures of childhood and youth, with particular reference to gender.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In semester one and two, the module will be delivered by means of a mix of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Some independent research will be carried out in each semester.

Lectures Semester 1
Contact hours 12
Number of groups 1

Seminars/Tutorials Semester 1
Contact hours 6
Number of groups 4

Lectures Semester 2
Contact hours 12
Number of groups 1

Seminars/Tutorials Semester 2
Contact hours 6
Number of groups 4

Assessment: