Introduction to Early Childhood Studies

Which disciplines and professions contribute to early childhood studies?  And how do they investigate, interpret and understand early childhood?  You’ll find out on this fascinating introductory module. Covering a broad range of areas, from memories of childhood to the biology of children’s development, this module also examines the practical and ethical issues of observing young children.

What does the module cover?

Develop knowledge and understanding of the personal and cultural systems and ideas which affect the experience and construction of childhood.  Learn to critical analyse the variety of theories which attempt to explain child development, and learn to relate appropriate theory to explain observations of children.  Finally, you’ll have the opportunity for group work and individual reflection in exploring cultural, ethical and rights issues in child development.

More Information

Module Code:

ED1009

Key topics

• Introduction to Early Childhood Studies and perspectives of childhood
• Childhood memories – cultural, political, socio-economic
• Child rearing across cultures
• The concept of 'Development' and theoretical perspectives about the developing child
• Early Childhood Professionals and Practitioners
• Antenatal legacy
• The Biological Foundations of Development
• Observing young children, observation techniques and ethical issues in observing children
• Cognitive development
• Introduction to play theories
• Overview of language and literacy development
• Overview of social and emotional development
• Methods of investigation – researching young children
• Children's rights; children's agency and control and ethics of working with children

Pre-requisites

None

Number of credits & study time

20 credits / 200 hours

Assessment

In addition to completing a number of formative assessments as part of your coursework, you’ll also have to successfully complete two summative assessments, counting towards your final grade:

Assignment 1: 
Reflective Statement following a group discussion (750-1000 words) 40%

Assignment 2: 
Essay which analyses a child’s development based on observations from the DVD which construct a holistic developmental profile (2,500-3000 words)  60%