Module: EDU7107-30 Early Childhood: Education, Culture and Society

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Lone Hattingh

Module Tutor Contact Details: l.hattingh@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

Teaching and Learning strategies will include seminars, workshops and practical activities. These will be designed to develop skills of reflective practice as well as student study skills and aspects of wider professional development.

This module aims:

• To develop an explicit focus on the culture of childhood from birth to eight in order to increase an awareness of children as competent and valued members of society.
• To challenge and interrogate tacit knowledge and understandings about early childhood education and care.
• To develop a deep understanding of theoretical perspectives which underpin early childhood.
• To examine global perspectives.
• To critically analyse ethical, political and social aspects of working with children.

Directed tasks, seminar content and further reading will be available in the student handbook and on Minerva. You will also be encouraged to develop a dialogue about your learning on the Minerva discussion forums as well as with your peers during seminars. Teaching will be responsive to your needs and will be planned to enable you to reflect on your practice and on your theoretical understanding.

2.Outline syllabus

Theoretical perspectives; socio-cultural theory; Play and learning; Global perspectives; Politics, power and ethics in early childhood.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The taught component of the module takes place over ten weeks in the first trimester: 10 three hour seminars are made up of lecture content, group discussion focusing on set reading and reflections on practice and theoretical insights.

Two assessments, a presentation with a written commentary and a critical analysis are preceded by guidance and discussion and formative tasks.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Presentation on Chosen Topic (20 minutes + 1,000 word commentary) (3,750 words)
• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Essay (3,750 words)
• % Weighting: 50%