General provisions

The course is given within the teacher training program for preschools.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to enable the student to gain basic insight into young children's living conditions, agency, socialisation and identity from various perspectives.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student should:

• be knowledgeable about theoretical perspectives and research traditions within Childhood Studies, particularly with a specialisation in younger children.
• be able to account for children's agency and living conditions in different social settings such as family, pre-school and peer groups.
• be able to account for basic theories and concepts that discuss younger children and childhood.
• be able to demonstrate knowledge of theories and concepts of younger children's agency and interaction in play.
• be able to apply theories and concepts to analyses of children's agency, socialisation and identity.

Content

• Research traditions within Childhood and Youth Studies where the difference between developmental-orientated and sociological/educational research on childhood is elucidated.
• Children's agency and living conditions in family, pre-school and peer groups.
• Central theories and concepts of Childhood Studies, particularly concerning younger children's agency, socialisation and identity.
• Perspectives of children and children's perspectives.
• Children's play and leisure activities.

Instruction

The teaching is carried out in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops and supervision.

Assessment

Oral and written examinations