ECE 2104 Families and Society

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

As the primary socialising institution, families are an essential focus of study in any program designed to prepare professionals working with children and families for the roles they play in today's society. An understanding of the role played by the family in mediating between the individual and society, as well as the outcomes of this mediation process is central to working with young children. The family is considered as a site of both socialisation and resistance to prevailing hegemony. In coming to understand children, families, and child-rearing, early childhood professionals need a sound knowledge of the ways in which families act to promote and support prevailing societal expectations, as well as their function in leading and responding to societal change.

SYNOPSIS:

This course introduces students to the changing nature of the form, structure and function of the family in contemporary society. While the emphasis will be on the Australian context, opportunities for cross-cultural comparisons and explorations will be provided. Particular attention is given to relevant issues related to Indigenous families and families from different cultural backgrounds. The course will also examine the nature and effect of social policies as they impact on socialisation. The implications of gender, class and ethnicity dimensions on families will be addressed. Social institutions such as education, religion, economy and government will be examined insofar as they impinge on and reflect changes in the role and form of contemporary family structures. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of government and economic policies and directions on services for young children and their families.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the socialisation process across cultures, in particular the development of perceptions, attitudes and values
2. demonstrate familiarity with selected aspects of Australian society, including their application to other cultures
3. demonstrate understanding of the role of major societal institutions as they impact on the family
4. clearly articulate the meaning of "diversity", and identify implications of this policy for the child care industry and for schools
5. demonstrate an ability to analyse the effects of social change

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   (b) It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   (b) To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   (a) If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   (b) To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   (a) The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   (e) There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There is no examination in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Marking criteria are provided in course material as mark sheets/guides or as part of assignment specifications.