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 knowledge of different perspectives with respect to childhood and migration which can be used in discussions of risk and protective factors
• Has knowledge of children and young people from minority groups and their upbringing in Norwegian society
• Can give an account of, and discuss, different perspectives with respect to care and transnational family life
• Can analyse the relationship between childhood conditions, the Norwegian welfare state and migration
• Has knowledge of, and skills in, writing academic texts.

Course Description

In this course, students will gain in-depth knowledge of the impact of migration on children and young people’s upbringing, and the issues that arise in the interaction between the Norwegian welfare state and minority ethnic children and their families. Migration can contribute to changes in family size and culture, kinship relationships, family ties, social status and class. Children and families with backgrounds in a collectivist-oriented way of life may face challenges in relation to mainstream society’s individual-oriented way of life. Differences in various life stances and orientations, and different goals and methods regarding upbringing, can create conflicts within families and also between family members and society at large. Minority families in Norway often achieve lower scores on key living standards than the majority population and are exposed more to various forms of exclusion, discrimination and racism. These challenges can create risk factors in a child’s upbringing. However, migration can also lead to increased security and recognition of children’s belonging, thus creating new opportunities and faith in the future.

The course is divided into the following themes:

Theme 1: The ‘other’ childhood

• Children outside childhood
• Transnational family life
• Children as actors and legal subjects

Theme 2: The welfare state, childhood and migration

• Children displaced - migration theory
• An extended care concept
• Caring for the children of others

Teaching and Learning Methods

Students may choose either 981-E2A or 981-E2B.

If there are too few applicants for one of the above options, only one of them may be offered.

The course uses varied teaching and learning methods designed to enhance students’ learning and create an active learning environment. These will include lectures, discussions, seminars, discussion groups, feedback on assignments, student presentations and individual work. The workload corresponds to that of a full-time course of study.

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-E2A: Childhood and Migration.

Five-hour individual examination under supervision (graded A-F). No examination aids permitted. 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