Course content

The course is an introduction to Childhood studies (social studies of children and childhood/childhood sociology); an interdisciplinary research field drawing upon influences from disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, social geography etc. The course offers perspectives on children and childhood with attention to both global and local understandings and perceptions of what constitutes childhood, with attention to the significance of historical, cultural, social and political realities. The aim of the course is to provide students with theoretical frameworks, concepts and analytical tools from Childhood studies that can enable them to problematize common assumptions and normative idea(l)s of childhood, exploring children and childhood in a historical and cultural frame. It addresses topics such as gender, ethnicity, class and age through studies of childhood experiences.

Learning outcome

The main objectives of the course are to provide students with:

• A basic overview of approaches within the interdisciplinary research field of Childhood studies
• New ways of looking at how children and childhood can be researched and theorized
• A critical understanding of how children's everyday lives influence and are influenced by socio-cultural, political, historical, economic and institutional contexts
• Reflections about local and global versions of, and perspectives on, childhood

Learning methods and activities

Total lecture hours: approximately 20 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Small assignment

Course materials

Information will be given at the beginning of the semester.