Университет Роэхэмптон, BA (Hons), Childhood and Society and Early Childhood Studies

Childhood and society Year 1: The 1st year provides the student with a basic introduction to some of the main contributions to childhood and society; courses may include: children in contemporary British society; childhood and literature; introduction to child development; history of childhood; social science research methods Year 2: the 2nd year builds on the multidisciplinary approach established in the foundation year; by taking advantage of the flexibility of the modular system, the student is able to focus their studies according to their own interests; some students may want to use the programme as a preparation for further professional training, whereas others may wish to pursue a more academic line of inquiry. Yea 3: in the 3rd year there are a wide variety of optional modules available allowing the student to pursue particular perspectives including: psychoanalysis, social policy and sociology. Early childhood studies Year 1: This year focuses on: the study of young children and the cultural influences on their lives and development; current issues and concerns in early childhood, including a consideration of special needs and inclusion; a study of research methods which underpin the whole programme; optional modules may include: babies and toddlers; Froebel and the kindergarten; equal opportunities. Year 2: the student looks critically at the significance of play, imagination and creativity in children’s development, considers a variety of curriculum models and examines the impact of the early childhood pioneers on current perspectives and practice; optional modules may include: social work and child protection; health and well-being; the study of traveller and refugee children; the opportunity for a placement. Year 3: in the final year the student may focus on carrying out a substantial research project in a chosen area of study; optional modules may include: thinking and understanding; self and others; social policy and children’s rights; what it means to be a professional and advocate for young children; the nature of teamwork and leadership.

This is a combined Honours course which allows the student to study 2 subjects; the childhood and society course asks questions about what is happening to children: how society treats children, how they are governed and the moral and political values attached to childhood; the student also considers what children themselves feel and think, and how they imagine themselves as well as the world around them; the course involves not only an analysis of specific institutions, including schools, hospitals, clinics etc, but also an appreciation of the fact that children are not a submissive population and have a right to fashion their own lives; the early childhood studies course is suitable for students who are interested in how young children think, learn and develop; this programme has been developed to meet the need for well-qualified early years specialists who wish to work with young children and their families; the student takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of children from birth to 6, and focuses on the knowledge and skills which underpin all professional work with young children.