SOC06017 2022 Childhood 1: Sociology and Childhood
The aim of the module is to support students to think sociologically about the world we inhabit, with a particular focus on children’s lives. Thinking sociologically challenges us to identify patterns in society, become aware of societal influences, look beyond surface level understandings, and seek alternative understandings. Focusing on children’s lives, the modules examines the concept of ‘family’ and family life in Ireland, and the role of culture and socialisation in children's lives. This examination extends to the ELC setting. Historical constructions of childhood are also explored to uncover the range of understandings of childhood that exist, thereby challenging the idea of a universal understanding of childhood. This module sets the foundations for studying Childhood 2.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Outline the development of sociology as a discipline.
Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories relating to sociology.
Explain sociological perspectives of family and relate this to early childhood.
Examine the role culture and socialisation play in shaping the lives of children and families in early childhood.
Describe historical constructions of childhood.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
An active and inclusive learning environment that facilitates co-construction of knowledge will be facilitated. Methodologies such as discussion of readings, reflection activities and case studies may be utilised. Accessible material will be facilitated as far as possible. Moodle will be used to support learning and store learning resources.
Module Assessment Strategies
Presentation (40%) This presentation assesses LO 1 and 2. Students in small groups may present learning on topics and issues such as the origins of sociology, the sociological imagination, the sociological perspective and theoretical perspectives. Students receive formative feedback in a preparation class before the presentation series begins. After each presentation, students receive feedback that they can then use in the portfolio assessment.
Portfolio (60%) This portfolio assesses LO 3, 4 and 5. This portfolio will focus on student learning. Examples of possible sections include blog entries, notes from class, reflections on readings, and artefacts that reflect learning about early childhood in the area of family, culture and socialisation, and historical constructions of childhood.
Repeat Assessments
Any repeat assessment will be based on failed components.
Repeat requirements will be decided at the exam board.
Indicative Syllabus
LO 1. Outline the development of sociology as a discipline
- The emergence of sociology as a distinct academic discipline
- Social change and modern society
- The Sociological Imagination
- Seeing the General in the Particular and Seeing the Strange in the Familiar
LO 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories relating to sociology.
- Introduction to Functionalism
- Introduction to Conflict Theory
- Introduction to Symbolic Interactionism
LO 3. Explain sociological perspectives of family and relate this to early childhood.
- Functions of the family
- Feminist perspective of the family
- Changing families
- Doing family
- Family life in Ireland
- Aistear principles: Children’s connections with others: - relationships - parents, family and community
- Siolta Standard 3: Parents and Families
LO 4. Examine the role culture and socialisation play in shaping the lives of children and families in early childhood
- Dimensions of Culture
- Process of Socialisation
- Agents of Socialisation
- Gender Socialisation
- Aistear principles: Children’s connections with others: - relationships - parents, family and community
LO 5. Describe historical constructions of childhood
- Historians of childhood
- Childhood as a time of evil
- Childhood as a blank slate
- Childhood as a time of innocence
- Aistear principles: Children’s connections with others: - relationships - parents, family and community
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Group Project | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,2 |
2 | Portfolio of learning | Coursework Assessment | Project | 60 % | Week 13 | 3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Tiered Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2013-03 Childhoods in context Policy Press
ISBN 9781447305811 ISBN-13 1447305817
Childhoods in Context offers a critical exploration of childhood, drawing attention to the physical and social contexts of children's lives. Through accounts of home and family, school, public spaces, and work, the contributors explore three key arguments: childhood is always located somewhereeither in a place designed for children or territories that children develop for themselves; childhood is experienced through objects, people, places, and everyday routines; and childhood and adult identities are relationalunderstandings of childhood are dependent on how adulthood is viewed. Raising important questions about methodological approaches to understanding childhoods in context, this book provides a framework for investigating wider questions about childhood, including the power relationships between adults and children and the influence of gender and inequality.
2013 Understanding childhood Policy Press
ISBN 9781447305804 ISBN-13 1447305809
Understanding childhood is a fresh look at how childhood has changed in recent years and reveals how children's needs and experiences have achieved a new visibility
2017-04-08 The Sociology of Early Childhood Sage Publications Limited
ISBN 1446272982 ISBN-13 9781446272985
Introducing readers to the key historical and sociological perspectives on childhood, this book includes discussion features to encourage students to be critical and discursive around the subject
2012 Sociology Financial Times/Prentice Hall
ISBN 0273727915 ISBN-13 9780273727910
This volume provides a fresh approach to the study of introductory sociology. It looks at the social world from a global perspective, recognising that it is increasingly difficult to understand one country in isolation from another.
2012-04-01 A Sociology of Ireland Dufour Editions
ISBN 0717149846 ISBN-13 9780717149841
A comprehensive overview of contemporary Irish society for students of sociology, reflecting recent social and economic changes in Irish society. New to this edition Fully revised and updated with new sections on work and livelihood, economic crisis, Irish identities, power and forecasting the future More user-friendly text, with fascinating case studies of aspects of contemporary Irish life Data from Census 2011 features throughout the text Students can link directly to the Irish qualitative data archive to access enhanced learning resources related to the text at www.iqda.ie/content/teaching-qualitative-research Examines Irish society and sociology before, during and after the Celtic Tiger years. Positions Ireland sociologically within a global context and considers key aspects of Ireland's changing structures, social divisions and cultural forms. Written in an accessible and engaging style, with a comprehensive bibliography of Irish and international sources. SUITABLE FOR Sociology courses in universities and Institutes of Technology at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. General Arts programmes, Applied Social Studies, Social Work and Social Science courses where sociology is a module. A comprehensive overview of contemporary Irish society for students of sociology, reflecting recent social and economic changes and incorporating data from Census 2010. New to this edition: Fully revised and updated with new sections on risk society, work and livelihood, obesity, celebrity culture and sport More user-friendly text, with fascinating case studies of aspects of contemporary Irish life. Examines Irish society and sociology before, during and after the Celtic Tiger years. Positions Ireland sociologically within a global context and considers key aspects of Ireland's changing structures, culture and everyday life. Written in an accessible and engaging style, with a comprehensive bibliography of Irish and international sources.
2014-03-21 An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland Gill & MacMillan
ISBN 0717156222 ISBN-13 9780717156221
Revised and updated edition of this comprehensive introduction to the world of sociology incorporating key contemporary issues, with particular reference to the Irish perspective. New to this edition: Reflects all changes in the revised Social Studies module 5N1370] Provides the most recent statistics related to the area of sociology Introduces reflective and investigative skills for use on current social issues Advises on strategies for study and preparation for examinations, as well as note-taking skills and revision methods. Highlights key sociological theories, concepts and topics, while introducing and examining social stratification in Irish society. Facilitates an individual's basic understanding of their position as an individual, a family member and as part of a community and wider society. Introduces the process and agents of socialisation by analysing family, peer groups, education and media, and their impact. Examines the role and function of the family within society, in particular within an Irish context, and how the structure of the family has evolved and developed in recent times. Discusses discrimination and its impact on individuals and society. Details various survey methods, observation skills and research methodologies, and provides pointers on documenting, referencing, and analysis and presentation of research findings. Written For: The revised NFQ Level 5 Social Studies module 5N1370] as part of the following major awards: Intellectual Disability Practice 5M1761 Applied Social Studies 5M2181 Journalism 5M2464 Community Care 5M2786 Community Development 5M3050 Healthcare Support 5M4339 Nursing Studies 5M4349 Community Health Services 5M4468 Youth Work 5M4732 Early Childhood Care and Education 5M2009 Suitable also for those studying BTEC and HETAC subjects within the fields of Social Science and Healthcare.
Module Resources
https://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/
https://www.thesociologicalreview.com/tsr-blog/