Sociology of Childhood (EC)

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

In this subject, teacher candidates will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to:

• Recognise childhood as a social construction.
• 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.

2000 word Essay: Compare and contrast two philosophical constructions of childhood. Discuss how they position young children and the learning process. Mid semester 50%
2000 word Essay: Define diversity. Explain how ECEC teachers can enact diversity principles in their work with children and families. End semester 50%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, teacher candidates will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to:

• Understand diverse social and theoretical constructs of childhood and their influences on children’s lived experience over time.
• Consider and reflect on the definitions of childhood as outlined in key international frameworks and policies relating to young children.
• Articulate the implications of diverse notions of childhood for teaching and learning in early childhood education and care settings.
• Appreciate diverse views of childhood and reflect on the implications of this for practice.