Children, Stories and the Media
Children, Stories and the Media
This module uses children’s stories and the media to explore current and past constructs of childhood. Specific examples of these media are used to consider the wider social, cultural and educational issues that surround their production and consumption.
In this module, you will critically examine studies of how children engage with a range of different media that is produced for children.
This includes:
- books (both fiction and non-fiction)
- television
- film
- the ‘new media’ that is available for children, including other interactive media such as computer games.
You will also consider the ways in which those who study childhood have sought to understand this engagement. The module will take a broad approach, drawing on theories from a range of social science and cultural disciplines.
Crime and Childhood
Crime and Childhood
This module explores children and criminality from various points of view, from offending to court procedures, from explanations of children’s crime to protection of victims, and allow students to draw conclusions about the special status of children and the legal system.
You will examine the ‘social construction of childhood’ both historically and internationally in regard to how children are treated in the criminal justice system.
Case Studies will be used to illustrate how criminal law and childhood is given particular significance, including use of media coverage.
Issues around children and crime are of contemporary relevance, and this module will provide insights into the many avenues of childcare practice that are connected to the criminal justice system.
Graduate Practitioner Placement
Graduate Practitioner Placement
This practical placement module builds on theory from taught modules in the programme and placements at both Levels 4 and 5. It gives you opportunities in relevant settings to achieve the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competences. You will complete 25 days in a placement setting and workshop sessions in the university.
Independent Project
Independent Project
The independent project is designed to engage you in a longer-term and analytical piece of research on a topic relevant to Early Childhood Studies. The module includes a focus on the research process. This includes guidance on research design, writing a literature review, application of methodological approach and method(s) used, ethical issues, data collection and analysis.
Leading Professional Practice
Leading Professional Practice
This module aims to introduce you to the key factors that affect strategies for leading and managing in Early Years provision. You will develop knowledge and understanding of how to improve practice through working alongside staff, children, families and other professionals.
Adventure Education
Adventure Education
This module introduces you to the innovative and adventurous environments in which children can develop, learn and play such as Forest Schools and Beach School.
You will examine the theoretical, psychological, physical and social processes and benefits for children and Early Years professionals/teachers that come with activities away from conventional environments.
The module considers the history and theory that has shaped ‘adventure’ environments in the past, and continue to affect them in the present.
The Digital Child
The Digital Child
The module introduces you to the digital experiences of childhood, and the effects of technology on children in a fast-changing world, as you assess thebenefits and drawbacks from social, emotional, and behavioural perspectives.
The module examines access to the online world, and policy and parental attempts to control children’s digital consumption.
Therapeutic Play
Therapeutic Play
This module aims to explore and critically analyse the centrality of play in enabling children to make sense of the world around them and their place within that world, especially when experiencing trauma.
