Module: ECS6001-20 Play and Playfulness

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Melanie McCree

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.mccree@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

The aim of the module is to broaden your knowledge and critical understanding of play and playfulness across the lifespan. You will analyse a range of theoretical positions and research which underpins accepted knowledge on the position of play and playfulness in babies, young children’s and adult’s lives from multi-disciplinary perspectives. The concept of play as it varies across cultures will be explored and you will consider international perspectives and debates.

You will be introduced to conceptions of play and playfulness which reach beyond the boundaries of institutional discourses and, taking a rights based and ethical approach, you will examine the ambiguity, nuances and complexity of play. The module will offer you the opportunity to develop your understanding of the participant observer role in relation to children and their engagement in sustained playful encounters. You will draw on the range of perspectives offered over the course of the module to justify a position on the inherent value of play. Over the course of the module you will partake in experiential learning and field trips to childhood settings other than educational institutions. Observation, recording and reflection skills are taught in the seminars to enable you to benefit fully from these visits.

N.B. You must be in possession of a current DBS certificate in order to take this module. 

2.Outline syllabus:

• Play and playfulness across the lifespan

• Multi-disciplinary perspectives on play and playfulness

• International discourses on play

• Rights based and ethical approaches

• The ambiguity, nuances and complexity of play

• Ethical behaviours and participant observation in research in early childhood

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The module will be taught through lectures and seminars involving practical activities. Online content, resources and activities will be used to support your learning and collaboration. Seminar sessions will involve individual and group activities and will enable specific aspects or case studies to be explored in depth and with reflection.

To extend your understanding about children’s play and development, you will carry out participant observations of a child/children’s sustained playful encounters and will be supported to analyse and reflect upon these.

Lecture materials, reading and other resources will be available on Minerva. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Practical Project (1500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio (3500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%