Course content

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate systematic knowledge and understanding of themes related to shifting perspectives on urban childhood and youth; health problems of and approaches to urban adolescents; children's livelihoods in informal sectors; problems of and approaches to urban schooling; children and migration; children in difficult circumstances; street children and urban space; housing and urban development; children and institutions (GO and NGOs); youth and political activism; and youth transitions to adulthood in the context of rapid social change. Examples will be drawn from different African countries.

Learning outcome

1. To familiarise students with the circumstances of children and youth in diverse social, economic, cultural and political contexts of urban Africa.
2. To promote interdisciplinary understanding of the complex ways in which young people fare in their lives, and how they respond to diverse challenges of urbanization and urban life.
3. To inculcate in students a critical awareness of current research and scholarship on urban children and youth.

Learning methods and activities

Total lecture hours: 20 hours, total seminar hours: up to 12 hours. The course consists of: (1) A common introduction with lectures. (2) A seminar with presentation and discussion of the individual students' term papers. Each student will be required to comment on another student's term paper. Please note that the course may be cancelled due to teaching capacity or if less than 5-7 students register for the course. Please check www.ntnu.no/studies/childhood studies/master/studentinformation for updated information about what courses are available. Information about cancellations will be given no later than August 25th.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation

Recommended previous knowledge

See required previous knowledge.

Required previous knowledge

Admittance to the course requires a bachelor's degree in a social science or humanities discipline, or equivalent.

Course materials

Information will be given at the beginning of the semester.