What you will study
This online module will be attractive to anyone with an interest in, and concern for children and young people, including those who work with children and who want to learn more about contemporary theories and research in this area. The module offers an inter-disciplinary approach to study the lives of children and young people, drawing on research and theories from childhood studies and child psychology. This inter-disciplinary perspective is broader than mainstream psychology modules and is designed to introduce you to different ways of understanding childhood and children’s lives. The content is divided equally between sociology, anthropology, psychology, social policy and core study skills. There are four blocks, each comprising 6 weeks of supported study.
Block 1 introduces an interdisciplinary approach to the study of childhood by comparing the different perspectives from childhood studies and child psychology. The units will consider some of the complex influences that shape children’s lives and the role of educational research with children.
Block 2 considers early social and emotional development with a focus on supporting the lives of children. There is a particular focus on policies around parenting and families, protecting and supporting children in a digital world and on promoting the welfare of children in today’s challenging society.
Block 3 addresses issues around diversity and examines how children’s lives are shaped by particular social and cultural ideologies. These units will introduce you to a range of core issues which include ethnicity, religion, international childhoods and disability and how these factors can impact on the lives of children and young people.
Block 4 discusses some of the tensions involved in becoming an adult and some of the obstacles that many children face during this transitional period. These units include the effects of commercialisation in the teenage years, issues around gender and sexuality; supporting young people’s mental health and psychological wellbeing; and the transition into adolescence.
In addition to the set text, there is a range of interactive online activities throughout the module to support your learning and to develop your understanding of policy issues. These focus on responses to critical issues in children and young people’s lives and discuss topics around children’s rights, safeguarding children, parenting practices, children’s psychological wellbeing and mental health. The audio and video resources support the set text in a number of ways. They will provide further background to some of the theoretical issues raised within the module as well as providing personal accounts from experts, parents, children and young people themselves on a range of important topics.