Perspectives on International Childhood - Advanced Professional Development [Level HE6]

This course is for anyone with an interest in child learning and development and early childhood studies. It provides an opportunity to consider the provision of services for children under eight years old in a number of countries and compare the different approaches to teaching and learning.

On the course, you will consider children¢‚¨‚s diverse experiences as they are shaped by interactions between cultural influences and political and economic structures. Teaching will be based on a comparative approach drawing on differences in services within the European Community and expands this to study global dimensions, including examples from developing societies.

Areas to be covered include notions of a national curriculum and how this illustrates the way political and economic structures can affect childhood; cultural forces which can affect patterns of divergence and convergence across and within some European societies; how social and cultural diversity is expressed through families and children; the role of the mass media; the work of UNESCO; the Standards Movement on changing children¢‚¨‚s education in the US and its spread to other countries.

The appreciation of international perspectives is designed to encourage students to reflect on policy and practice within their local environment.

You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminar groups, independent study, group work and discussion, video, guest speakers and case studies. Regular tutorials will provide opportunities to support your learning and discuss your overall progress. A short observational visit abroad (3-5 days) may also be included in the module.

Assessment will be based on one essay of 3000 words (60%) and a case study of 2000 words (40%).