Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module will explore different conceptions of childhood. It will introduce students to childhood studies though the lens of philosophy and four dominant perspectives that continue to inform discourse and policy in relation to children’s lives. It will explore the following four ‘framings’ focusing primarily on identity and diversity in the modern period: 1) The deficit or ‘privative’ view of childhood, 2) the gifted or ‘privileged’ view of childhood, 3) the psychogenic or ‘therapeutic’ view of childhood and 4) the liberationist or ‘emancipatory’ view of childhood. As well as considering recent scholarship in the area, there will be a focus on how, historically, major thinkers have viewed the significance of the early years, including Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Locke, Rousseau, and Freud. Central to the course is the critical issue of children’s agency today and what philosophy and childhood studies have to contribute to the debate. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Identify significant factors that have effected change in western ways of relating to and treating children 2. Develop a critical outlook on ‘childhood', with particular reference to how various constructions of childhood express different philosophies of the human person. 3. Identify the tensions between the perspectives explored within research and policy documents and offer critique based on two or more of the perspectives discussed. 4. Recognise important ideas around identity and their context in relation to childhood studies 5. Interpret intellectual traditions of thinking about children as individuals and as members of a community, society, and citizenry 6. Examine the ways in which ideas around nature and culture continue to inform conceptions of childhood | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
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Indicative Reading List Books:
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