ECS301 Children and Families in Society

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This module examines children and families and how they interact with, and are affected by, the wider society in which they live. The module looks at different definitions of ‘family’, and considers key theories of family life. It outlines historical notions of the family and the impacts of culture on the family. It discusses children’s lives and contemporary and historical ideas about childhood.

Application deadline and delivery dates To be Confirmed.

Ecological systems theory and the Bio-ecological theory underpin this module. This theoretical approach helps us to understand how the child and the family affect, and are in turn affected by, what is happening in the wider society. Thus the module explores environmental and social conditions and resources in the wider society in which the family live, and examines the potential impacts for the child and family within an ecological framework. The module looks at the potential for the ECEC to act as a resource to children and families and to impact positively on social conditions and outcomes for children.

When you have successfully completed this module, its learning activities and suggested readings, you should be able to:

Give two definitions for ‘family’ and discuss why there is no one universally accepted definition for the family
Outline the main changes that have taken place in family life in Ireland in the last 100 years
Give two examples of how culture can impact on parenting
Give a brief account of the New Sociology of Childhood
Briefly describe family systems theory
Outline how work/life balance can affect family life
State three risk factors and three protective factors within the wider society in which a family lives that can impact on the child
Describe what is meant by parenting styles and give an account of three different styles of parenting
State the stages in engaging parents in the ECEC, and give two practical examples of engaging with fathers
Give one example of an agency the ECEC practitioner can expect to have links with in each of the three main sectors: statutory, voluntary and community
Outline what is meant by Family Centred Practice

Fee: €665 Non-EU: €775

Contact Information

Valerie.kelly@nuigalway.ie

http://www.nuigalway.ie/courses/adult-and-continuing-education-courses/early-childhood-studies-practice.html

Please select Undergrad CPD in Early Childhood Studies & Practice - CPB4 when making your online application.

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