Course content

This course introduces the students to family sociology and the understanding of childhood in particular. Emphasis will be on family structure, the functions of the family, family relations, and the relationship between the family and children. Changes in the relationship between families, children and the society in general will be analyzed in the light of recent Norwegian and International research.

Learning outcome

To provide the students with an overview of central sociological approaches and concepts on topics such as family, children and parenthood, and how these are used to analyze current empirical questions within in the field.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures every week throughout the semester according to semester plan. The student must hand in a compulsory term paper. The term paper can be written in groups (max 3 students). Compulsory activities: The term paper has to be approved. Length of the term paper: Approximately 4500 words (12 pages). Term papers will only be approved during the spring semester. There will be group excercises with supervision of the term paper.

Form of assessment: A 5 hour written exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved term paper

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is suitable for students in sociology, psychology, health etc who wants to learn more about the sociology of familiy and childhood.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course

Credit reductions