University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This course will focus on youth, adolescence and emerging adulthood from a sociological perspective. The lives of young people have been transformed in recent decades by economic shifts, technological advances and social change. Drawing on relevant theory and empirical research, we examine the social issues facing youth today, including identity and belonging, education, employment, emigration, relationships and mental health. This module aims to understand the social structural conditions impacting on youth and the behaviours and sub-cultures that have emerged in response to these forces. Varying approaches to the study of youth are reviewed and we explore how culture, the media, and other social forces, have influenced societal understanding of young people. Throughout the course, theory and research will be applied to help us to understand current concerns and events.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will be familiar with the ways in which sociologists have theorised the phenomenon of ‘youth’ in society, with a particular focus on understanding the factors that influence young people’s transitions to adulthood.
  2. Students will be able to identify and critically analyse trends in relation to issues such as education, employment, technology, youth culture and lifestyle, health and well-being, youth work, citizenship and youth crime.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Youth Studies: An Introduction" by Furlong, Andy
    Publisher: Routledge
  2. "Youth Studies: Fundamental Issues and Debates" by Cote, James
    Publisher: Palgrave
  3. "Young people in Contemporary Ireland" by Lalor, Kevin, deRoiste, A., Devlin, M.
    Publisher: Gill and Macmillan
The above information outlines module SP3118: "Understanding Youth " and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.