Course Objectives

Through major course unit 1, the student will acquire insight into the psycho-social and cultural relationships that are significant for the way in which children and youth experience their situation in various contexts. This knowledge will help students to develop an increased understanding of how children and adolescents construct their identities in complex interactions with other important persons within their families and relations, in their local environment and in society. Students will develop an understanding of the various ways in which children and adolescents are socialised, and the dilemmas which such processes pose in multicultural contexts. In these situations, it is important to have an understanding of social trends and the conditions which govern socialisation. Through such insights, students will develop a critical awareness of how children and adolescents are challenged with respect to their own vulnerability as well as in mastering their own lives. Students will be expected to develop a nuanced understanding of the different ways in which children and adolescents react to the challenges to which they are subjected. This also requires knowledge of how different systems and cultures can, through differing ways of relating to children and adolescents, contribute to either preventative measures or to psychosocial problems. The objective of the course is to teach students to understand the significance of relationships and to promote cooperation, participation and dialogue between children’s and adolescents’ families, relatives and networks. Students should be able to incorporate these new insights and approaches into initiatives and actions which contribute to the remediation and prevention of health and psychosocial problems in children and adolescents. In this context, students will also learn about measures which may be employed to prevent illness, marginalisation and social exclusion among children, adolescents and their families.

The major course unit will further contribute to developing an understanding of the importance of interdisciplinary interaction and cooperation when engaging in preventative efforts aimed at children and adolescents.

Course Description

Major course unit 1 combines an obligatory element which will count for 20 ECTS, and an elective element, which consists of specialisation in one of the two courses listed below, each of which count for 10 ECTS.

1a Society and Mental Health (10 ECTS)

1b Nutrition, Health and Life-Style (10 ECTS)

Major course unit 1 examines how different socialisation factors and socio-cultural conditions influence the development of physical and psychosocial problems in children and adolescents and their families in a multicultural society. This also involves problem analysis, mapping and conflict management.

In this major course unit, risk factors and possible preventative measures will be presented. Other major topics include social trends and social development and initiatives which may be taken to promote health and social-pedagogical measures on different levels and in different arenas. Interactions and exchanges between the various arenas for raising children are vital aspects of preventative efforts in multicultural contexts.

The socialisation process and psychosocial difficulties will be examined from both individual and system perspectives. Recognition, mastering, human worth and inclusion, as well as stigmatisation, marginalisation, poverty, social exclusion and deviation are also vital aspects of the course.

Assessment Methods

Course: 981HEMN1

Major course unit 1: Family, Childhood, and Socialisation
As a conclusion to major course unit 1, there will be a one-week individual take-home examination.

The paper will consist of around 5000 words.

The paper will be evaluated with a grade, which will count for 20% of the final grade, and will be worth 20 ECTS.

Dates for the assignment and submission will be given at the beginning of the semester.

Upon completing one of the elective specialisation courses, 1a or 1b, the student will be given a 5-hour individual examination.

This examination will count for 10% of the final grade, and is worth 10 ECTS.

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