Childhood and Parenting in Diverse Contexts

Level of Study

Master

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

University of Bergen.

Objectives and Content

The aim of this course is to examine the child, childhood and parenting in different societies and cultures, both in the North and the South. Historical and cross-cultural perspectives on parenting and childhood are explored, rights based perspectives, and children¿s own understandings. In light of the above, we also focus on the consequences of migration for children and families, and address society¿s responsibility for children and parents¿ well-being in an increasingly globalized world.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• has in depth knowledge of and insight in different analytical perspectives on the child, childhood and parenting
• has in depth knowledge of and insight in cross-cultural and social diversity in family structure, child rearing and up-bringing
• has in depth knowledge of and insight in challenges related to migration and mobility both for children and their families and for various providers of social services

Skills:

The student

• can discuss and compare children's lives and the position of children in different cultural settings
• can critically assess children as subject of rights in different societies
• can through a written assignment demonstrate ability to identify and reflect on a topic relevant for problems of diversity in the study of childhood and parenthood

General competence:

The student

• can demonstrate increased understanding of variety and diversity in family life and family living
• are able to critically reflect on the question of private versus public responsibility for childrens' wellbeing
• can demonstrate ability to communicate ethical challenges arising at the intersection of understanding culturally diverse practice and children as subjects of own individual rights

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Access to the Course

For students admitted to master programmes at the Deptartment of Health Promotion and Development.

International exchange students at the Faculty of Psychology may apply.

Teaching Methods and Extent of Organized Teaching

The course consists of a mixture of lectures and seminars/discussions and group/individual supervision.

18 hours of lectures, 12 hours of seminars/group based work, essay writing (tutored) and individual study hours.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Compulsory attendance in one group work with oral presentation in class.

80% compulsory attendance in seminars.

Forms of Assessment

The assessment takes the form of a written assignment, an essay, 3000 words (+/-10 %), references not included.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Spring

In special cases and upon application, the faculty may offer assessment in the following autumn semester.

Reading List

Core literature for the course comprises approx. 1000 pages.

The reading list will be available by 1st of December for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

Student evaluations during and after the course.

Programme Committee

The programme committee at the department level, Department of Health Promotion and Development, and the Faculty of Psychology, are responsible for the academic content, the structure, and the quality of the course.

Course Coordinator

Department of Health Promotion and Development.