466-435 Parenting Studies

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

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Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of parenthood from the point of view of parents;

• understand the concepts of resilience and vulnerability both from a psychological and sociological perspective;

• appreciate the vulnerability of contemporary families and the prospects for their continuation as on-going units in society;

• critically analyse psychological theories as they contribute to an understanding of the importance of early experience for development;

• interpret those social forces which are changing the nature of childhood;

• understand the obligations of the law towards families and children;

• demonstrate an understanding of the roles of both parents and professionals in the child's development, family resilience and the education process;

• understand and apply theoretical frameworks which underpin an approach to behaviour management;

• analyse the developmental appropriateness of certain management practices;

• demonstrate their knowledge and skills as parent educators; and

• evaluate the diversity of community resources available to children and families.

Content:

An examination of parenthood as a stage of human development; theoretical and empirical aspects of the psychological and sociological literature relevant to child and family resilience and vulnerability; contemporary approaches to issues in and systems for child management, and the relationship between parents, children and professionals.

Assessment: