SV-217 Childhood, families and everyday life (Autumn 2025)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leader:
- Ann Christin Eklund Nilsen
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Bachelor's Programme in Sociology
- Child Welfare, 5 year Master's Programme
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
Teaching language
English
Recommended previous knowledge
SV-143 Social Institutions, ME-110 Practical Social Research
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the students should:
Knowledge
- have knowledge about how childhood, families and the life course are shaped within historical and cultural contexts
- have an understanding of the importance of institutional contexts for everyday practices and changes concerning childhoods and family relations
- have an understanding of the importance of everyday life in sociological research and theory
Skills
- be able to apply sociological concepts and theories to analyze the everyday lives of children and families
- be able to make use of sociological theories to discuss policy, institutions and processes related to childhood, families and the life course
General competence
- have awareness of the complex relationships between people's everyday lives and the institutional structures and processes they are part of as these unfold in time and space
Contents
This course gives an introduction to the sociology of childhood, families, life course and everyday life. We explore the relationships between everyday practices at the micro level and institutional processes at the macro level, and between biographies and historical events. Sociological theory and research exploring diverse family lives and childhoods in and beyond Norway is used to address contemporary understandings of families and childhood in Norway. The course sheds light on the impact of gender, social class, ethnicity, migration, sexuality and generation on family life and childhoods.
Teaching and learning methods
The course will consist of lectures and seminars. The students are expected to attend all seminars and participate actively. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.
Examination requirements
Students are required to submit assignments as specified by the lecturers. Information about compulsory assignments will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Examinations
Individual term paper. Graded A-F.
Student evaluation
Student evaluation is carried out as a midway evaluation and in accordance with the normal arrangement as described in the quality system, chapter 4.1. If necessary, a possible end of semester evaluation may be implemented.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem)
Oct. 15, 2026 1:54:13 PM