Topic:  Childhood in Contemporary Society

This course is about children and childhood (from the preschool years
through adolescence) with a focus on social problems that affect
children in contemporary society.  We will first review various
theoretical approaches to child development and socialization,
examine the meaning of “childhood” historically, consider recent
changes in families and family structure, and examine the issue of
child care and early education in line with recent changes in
families.  In part two of the course we will review and discuss
current research on children’s peer cultures and evaluate and compare
the role of parents and peers in children’s lives.  In the third part
of the course we will concentrate on various social problems that
affect children’s lives (for example, divorce, child abuse, poverty,
teenage pregnancy and crime and violence).  Although much of the
coverage will focus on the United States and other Western societies,
we will also examine many of these topics from a multi-cultural or
global perspective.  Throughout the course you will be encouraged to
examine critically your own experiences and beliefs regarding these
specific problems and whether or not you feel there has been a loss
of childhood.

Attendance at all class meetings and completion of reading
assignments before the class for which they are assigned are the
requirements of this course.