Course Objectives

The course provides the opportunity to analyse the social processes that affect children and young people. Students will learn to apply this knowledge in practice. They will also develop competence in evaluating a variety of cultural projects and children and youth policy measures.

Course Description

The following themes are covered:
Childhood, youth and socialisation theory:
The historical development of the role of children and young people in society. A general introduction to socialisation and developmental psychology theories.
Childhoods and youth culture:
The historical background of the role of children and young people in the family and society, the growing-up environment, leisure activities, lifestyles, play and participation in cultural activities etc. Relevant topics including the media, drugs, violence and the influence of a multi-cultural society will be discussed in the context of social theories.
Public policies concerning childhood and youth: An overview of the cultural measures which both public and voluntary organisations use in targeting children and young people.
Dissemination and promotion of culture and cultural efforts:
The role of the ‘cultural worker’ and children and young people in practice. Students will participate by relating theoretical knowledge to practical work (for instance, through cultural projects involving children and young people, and the dissemination and promotion of arts and leisure activities aimed at children). The lectures are based on specific experiences of projects referred to in the syllabus or observed on study trips.

Learning Methods

Lectures and seminars spread over 2 semesters, study trips, presentations of written work for approval and oral exercises.
There is a minimum 80% attendance requirement for the seminar/project (which has its own timetable). If students are absent for more than 20% of the meetings, they will be orally examined on the course curriculum texts. Attendance on all of the joint study trips is obligatory for all students. Students who do not participate must write a report which covers the subject material of the study trip. Students are not required to attend all lectures, but regular attendance is recommended.

Assessment Methods

Individual written assignment which counts for 40 % of the final grade, and a 5-hour final examination which counts for 60 %. Graded marks. Students must receive passing marks in both the assignment and the final examination in order to achieve a passing mark for the course.

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