Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

The candidate:

• Has theoretical and empirical knowledge about the key aspects of the environments in which present-day children grow up
• Can describe, recognise and understand the relationship between risk and protective factors associated with growing-up environments such as family, nursery/school and leisure time
• Can describe, differentiate and discuss the concepts of multiculturalism, prevention and health promotion, socialisation, stigmatisation, marginalisation and problematic behaviour
• Has skills and knowledge in the field of study and can apply this knowledge in written work

Course Description

Growing up in a modern, multicultural society offers many opportunities for children and young people. At the same time growing up in today's society poses a number of challenges that may result in a risky situation, creating vulnerability in children and adolescents. The course focuses on theoretical and empirical knowledge regarding risks and protection related to different growing-up environments and upbringing conditions. It is important to develop a nuanced understanding of the concept of multiculturalism and gain insight into the opportunities and challenges that cultural diversity and the meeting of different cultures represent. The course highlights the socialisation processes and risk factors related to stigma, marginalisation, social exclusion and deviation. Furthermore, the course focuses on various forms of problematic behaviour, how anti-social behaviour can occur and be prevented and how subcultures are formed. In addition to developing such expertise there will be a focus on writing skills and the ability of students to apply their knowledge in their own written work.

The course includes the following themes:

A multicultural society

Modern childhood

The school as a growing-up environment

Youth culture

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course includes different teaching and learning methods designed to enhance students’ learning and create an active learning environment. It includes lectures, discussions, seminars, discussion groups, feedback on assignments, student presentations and individual work. The workload corresponds to that of a full-time course of studies.

All the seminars are mandatory, as are the assignments outlined in the course plan. Students must meet the attendance requirement of at least 75% of the obligatory seminars and all assignments must be approved before students will be allowed to sit the final examination. The seminars and assignments have been made obligatory to ensure that students will be able to develop the foundation skills required for studying the Master’s degree courses and writing a Master’s thesis.

Assessment Methods

Course code: 981-E1: Family, Childhood and Socialisation

Assessment includes a one-week take home examination.

The assignment should be between 4000-4500 words, and will be graded (A-F); the course grade will be separately entered on the diploma.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean