Module Details

Module Code: SOCI6021
Title: Sociology of Childhood
Long Title: Sociology of Childhood
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will introduce students to the discipline of sociology and its application in understanding society and children’s lives. Through the exploration of sociological theories and concepts this module will support the development of a sociological imagination, enabling students to appreciate structure and agency in childhood and childhoods and to use their knowledge of sociology and children's rights to begin to critically appraise First 5 Government Strategy for Babies and Young Children and to develop their own professional philosophy and practice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine the process of thinking sociologically with reference to a sociological theorist/theorists encountered in this module.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge of children’s places and spaces addressing aspects of children’s lives such as rights including play, philosophy, and social capital.
LO3 Identify content from this module that helps you to think about the needs of parents and how they might be addressed by First 5.
LO4 Discuss how Philosophy for Children (P4C) approaches might support children's thinking about the dynamics of social inequality.
LO5 Identify evidence of children’s rights within current policies for Babies and Young Children, such as the First 5 Strategy.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Understanding Sociology
What is sociology? How does sociology support thinking about self, society, voice, well-being. inequalities and lived experiences. Making personal and professional use of the sociological imagination. Introduction to key sociological concepts. Understanding childhoods using a sociological imagination. How does sociological thinking equip you to support children's capabiities in the Montessori method?
Diverse Constructions of Childhood
The various ways that childhood is/has been constructed both in the past and present. The impact of various constructions of childhood on children’s opportunities and experiences. Culture and socialisation. Acknowledging diverse childhoods.
Social Inequality
Issues of social justice and inequality. Educational disadvantage and health inequality. Social stratification, Understanding and recognising discrimination and privilege. Exercises in philosophy for children.
Children's Rights
Children’s rights discourse. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rights based pedagogy. Children’s participation. Evidence of a rights based approach in First 5?
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Understanding Children and Childhood(s) from a sociological perspective (1000 words).
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Continuous Assessment - 2 contributions to the discussion board; the first is due in Week 9 and the second in Week 13. Contributions can be submitted in typed format or as MP3/MP4 recordings.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory and Discussion Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory an Discussion Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Giddens, A. & Sutton, P. W.. (2021), Sociology, 9th. Polity Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 1509539220].
  • Gaut, B. and Gaut, M.. (2011), Philosophy for Young Children, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415619745].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Heywood, C.. (2017), A History of Childhood, 2nd. Polity Press, [ISBN: 0745651666].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Department of Children & Youth Affairs. (2016), Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter and Guidelines for Early Childhood Care & Education.
  • Marshall Beier, J.. (2020), Exceptional childhood and COVID-19: Engaging children in a time of civil emergency, Childhood, Dec 20, 2020,
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10 .1177/0907568220977629
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HMOED_8 Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Montessori Education 2 Mandatory