SV-217 Childhood, families and gender
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Ann Christin Eklund Nilsen
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
Teaching language
EnglishRecommended prerequisites
SV-143 Social Institutions
ME-110 Practical Social Research
Course contents
This course gives an introduction to the sociology of childhood and families. Theoretically, the course is informed by social constructionism, exploring the relationship between everyday practices at the micro level and institutional processes at the macro level. Sociological theory and research exploring diverse family lives and childhoods in and beyond Norway is used to address contemporary understandings of families and childhood in Norway. The course has an integrated gender perspective. It also sheds light on the impact of class, ethnicity, migration, sexuality and generation on family life and childhoods. Topics addressed include:
Families and childhoods in a historical context
Theoretical perspectives on the family and gendered family life
Theoretical perspectives and understandings of childhood and child development
Children and families of the welfare state: policies, professions and institutions
Parenting and grandparenting in contemporary Norway
Childhood in a comparative perspective
Friendship and peer socialization
Researching everyday life
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the students should: Knowledge
have knowledge about how childhood and families are shaped within specific historical and cultural contexts
have an understanding of the importance of institutional contexts for everyday practices and changes concerning childhoods, family relations and gender
have knowledge of national and international policies regarding childhood, families, gender and welfare
have basic knowledge of strategies for researching everyday life
Skills
be able to apply sociological concepts and theories to analyze the everyday lives of children and families
be able to make use of sociological theories to discuss policy, institutions and processes related to childhood, families and gender
General competence
have awareness of the complex relationships between people¿s everyday lives and the institutional structures and processes they are part of
Examination requirements
Students are required to submit assignments as specified by the lecturers. Information about compulsory assignments will be given in the LMS at the start of the course.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of lectures as well as self-organized study groups. Study groups are optional, but we strongly recommend that you attend a study group. The lecturers will provide practical exercises for the study groups. All students are expected to engage in on-line discussions by contributing with posts and commenting on other students¿ posts. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is 270 hours.
Evaluation
Student evaluation is carried out as a midway evaluation and in accordance with the normal arrangement as described in the quality system, chapter 4.1. If necessary, a possible end of semester evaluation may be implemented.
Assessment methods and criteria
5-day individual home exam (in English or Norwegian), graded A-F.