Mayall, B (2002) Towards a Sociology of Childhood, Open University Press
Foley, P et al (2001) Children in Society, Open University Press
McNeish, D et al (2002) What Works for Children? Open University Press
Hunt, S (2005) The Life Course: A Sociological Introduction, Palgrave

Designated teaching accommodation.
Library.
Internet

The module will consist of 150 hours of which 22 hours will be class contact (10 hours whole group contact; 12 hours part group contact to include an introductory session and a session on preparation for assessment.) 128 hours will be independent learning. Whole group contact will consist of formal lectures; part group contact will consist of informal sessions based on key issues and a session on preparation for assessment. Your seminar work will be supported by structured worksheets, case studies and formative feedback. Your independent learning will consist of preparation for seminars, following up of issues with references to texts and other resources and preparation for assessment. Individual tutorial support will be provided on request and you will be encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance if required.

This module enables you to examine the sociology of childhood and the place of children and childhood in sociological thinking. We will consider historical and contemporary perspectives on childhood and look at shifting ideas about the status and value of children. Sociological theories of childhood will be addressed by relating theories to issues concerning children and by exploring settings in which children are placed. We will consider the family; looked-after children; school and work; children at risk; children's health and children's rights. As a necessary part of these studies we will raise issues about relationships between children and adults and the significance of gender and generation.