Introductory description

This module introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of childhood, children, and child development. It draws upon multiple discourses within education, psychology, sociology, social care and health to provide a holistic and ecological understanding of children and young people’s experiences. Students will examine the various ways that childhood is understood and conceptualised, and gain an insight into the developmental trajectories of children and factors that influence their development. Taking an interdisciplinary approach allows students to develop a critical understanding of the contested nature of childhood and perspectives on child development.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduce students to the interdisciplinary approach to studying children and childhood; Different perspectives from childhood studies and child psychology will be compared and contrasted; A range of contemporary topics and debates in childhood will be explored and critiqued from a range of perspectives.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the different perspectives on childhood and evaluate their usefulness
• Explain how children develop holistically and in specific developmental domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language).
• Critically discuss contemporary topics and debates in childhood

Indicative reading list

Crowley, K., 2017. Child development: A practical introduction. Sage.
Keenan, T., Evans, S. and Crowley, K., 2016. An introduction to child development. Sage.
Murray, L., 2014. The psychology of babies: How relationships support development from birth to two. Hachette UK.
Powell, S. and Smith, K. eds., 2017. An introduction to early childhood studies. Sage.

Interdisciplinary

The module examines perspectives on childhood and child development from within education, psychology, sociology, social care and health.

Subject specific skills

Present and evaluate research findings in early childhood
Reflect upon a range of psychological, sociological, health, historical and philosophical perspectives and consider how these underpin different understandings of babies and young children and childhood.
Apply multiple perspectives to early childhood issues, recognising that early childhood studies involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications.
Integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in early childhood studies and recognise distinctive early childhood studies approaches to relevant issues.
Evaluate competing positions in relation to the construction of babies and young children and childhood by different subjects, societal agents and time, place and culture.
Constructively critique theories, practice and research in the area of child development.
Recognise and challenge inequalities in society, and embrace an anti-bias approach.

Transferable skills

Active listening
Character/personality
Cognitive flexibility
Communication skills
Coordinating with others
Critical thinking
Emotional intelligence
International cultural awareness
Interpersonal and communication
Passion
Reasoning
Team working