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Sociology of Childhood (EC) (EDUC90842)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2017
Overview
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On completion of this subject, teacher candidates will demonstrate understanding of the philosophical constructions of childhood over time and examine the diverse and contemporary nature of childhood in current times. This will equip students with an awareness of cultural diversity and its implications for society and education, and consequently, will provide insight into the context of early childhood education and care. Students will recognise and be able to articulate the importance of supporting children’s sense of identity. Students will reflect on the ways in which children are connected to and contribute to their world, taking into account the complexity of children’s lives and the role played by various social institutions, technology and media. They will recognise the importance of children having a strong sense of wellbeing, and of children being confident and effective communicators. Students will analyse the notion of diversity and explore the implications of perceiving child to be agentic and competent, with rights, responsibilities. Both individual and community identities will be woven through the subject.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, participants should be able to:
- Recognise childhood as a social construction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of children from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Identify the image of childhood outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Explore the key discourses surrounding childhood and the influences of social and historical change on notions of childhood.
- Explore constructs of multiculturalism and diversity in the Australian context and their implications for early childhood education.
- Assess the influence of social institutions on children.
- Examine the role played by technology and the media in children’s play, communication and culture.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
Generic skills
This subject will develop the following set of key transferable skills:
- Clinical reasoning and thinking
- Problem solving
- Evidence based decision making
- Creating and innovating
- Working in teams communicating and collaborating with other professionals
- Learning to learn and metacognition
- Being responsive to a changing knowledge base
- Reflecting and continually making improvements
- Linking theory and practice
- Inquiring and researching
- Becoming a citizen and taking personal and social responsibility.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Compare and contrast two philosophical constructions of childhood. Discuss how they position young children and the learning process (2500 words) due mid semester (50%)
- Small-group project presentations with peer feedback. Topic: Enacting diversity principles with children and families in Early Childhood Education and Care settings. Individual contribution – 1500 word submission. Group presentation – 1000 word equivalent. (2500 words) due end of semester (50%)
Hurdle requirement: Minimum of 80% attendance at all scheduled lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2017
Time commitment details
170 total commitment
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available via the LMS.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Last updated: 10 February 2024