Module: ECS6101-20 Symbolic Representations: Young Children Making Meaning

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Kitty King

Module Tutor Contact Details: k.king@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

This module explores children making meaning as a social construct as they find ways to make their voices heard. You will explore symbolic representation as a fundamental feature of children’s meaning-making endeavours with a particular focus on literacy development and learning in children from birth to eight. Definitions of literacy will be examined within the context of ideas of cultural capital and the power relationships within society. As part of the module, you will observe children in familiar environments engaging in literacy and problem solving activities. You will use theoretical models of language and literacy as well as scientific, multimodal and mathematical learning to examine themes and to reflect on your observations and practical experience.

Links will be made throughout the module between different forms of communication, strategies for making meaning and the development of the ‘conventional’ written forms in social contexts. You will be supported throughout this module in developing an analytical and critical approach to evaluating resources which promote and encourage children to represent their own ideas and meanings informed by social, cultural, political and educational perspectives.

If you are carrying out research in an educational setting, you would need to ensure that you have DBS clearance before beginning to gather data. You will be given time in the schedule to carry out field work for the case study, guidance for this will be built into the seminar sessions.

2.Outline syllabus:

You will explore and develop a number of different perspectives in this module, including:

• Different understandings of literacy, with a particular focus on the child’s voice

• Political and economic perspectives and socio-cultural contexts

• Cultural capital and power relationships

• Multi modal representation and making meaning

• Affective dimensions of communicating

• Ways of thinking

• Curricula, pedagogy and educational approaches for young children

• Language development and problem solving

• Children’s rights, identities, equity and agency

• Observation as a tool to support an understanding of children’s development and dispositions.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Seminars will be made up of lectures; workshops; observational visits to settings; directed activities; critical review of observations with peers; individual support and tutorials; reading and reflection.

A range of research from peer-reviewed journal articles will be studied for the formative presentation and the summative critical analysis, the first assessment item early in this module. This will help you to develop the underpinning knowledge and understanding needed for the second assignment, the case study. You will develop your understanding in a supportive environment with both tutor and peer support. 

Guidance on methodology and observations will be given throughout, which will help you to structure your case study for the second assignment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Critical Analysis (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Case Study (3,500 words)

• % Weighting: 70