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, family life and gender unfold in everyday life and through the life course
have knowledge about how childhood and family life are shaped within historical and cultural contexts
have an understanding of the importance of institutional contexts for everyday practices and changes concerning childhoods, family relations and gender
have knowledge of policies regarding childhood, families, gender and welfare
have basic knowledge of strategies for researching everyday life
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 social processes related to childhood, families and gender
General competence
have awareness of the complex relationships between people's everyday lives and the institutional structures and social processes they are part of
Course contents
This course gives an introduction to the sociology of childhood and families. Theoretically, the course is informed by social constructionism, exploring the relationship between everyday practices at the micro level and institutional processes at the macro level throughout the life course. 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 has an integrated gender perspective. It also sheds light on the impact of class, ethnicity, migration, sexuality and generation on family life and childhoods
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures, individual project work and self-organized study groups. The lecturers will provide practical exercises for the study groups and supervision of project work. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is 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.
Assessment methods and criteria
Individual semester assignment, graded A-F.
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.