SOC 222

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SOC 222

The Future of Childhood SOC 222 SP

Next Offered in 9899 SP

History teaches that childhood is actually a relatively recent invention of the modern age. The collapse of urban economies and social structures is the prominent reason why childhood itself may be threatened. Among the subjects considered in this course will be the effects of urban violence on child development, the political economy of drugs, and the recent history of the urban family and poverty. The course is particularly recommended for those interested in learning how to solve social problems practically, politically, and humanely.

MAJOR READINGS

Alex Kotlowitz, THERE ARE NO CHILDREN HERE
Melvin Konner, CHILDHOOD
Susan Sheehan, WELFARE MOTHER
National Commission on Children, A NEW AMERICAN AGENDA FOR
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Plus selected readings in the sociology, history, and social
science of childhood.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Attendance, participation, group projects, writing, final paper, joint legislative proposal.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students are expected to register for one of three group discussion Sections IN ADDITION TO the Monday evening class. The groups will develop legislative proposals based on reading, discussion, guest lecturers. The proposal will be presented to practicing legislators or politicians. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Fieldwork Laboratory Lecture Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS SOC

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

About the Photo:

The concept of "childhood" is a social construction which is different across cultures and time periods

Reference:

Papalia, Diane E. and Sally Wendkos Olds, A CHILD'S WORLD, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1986.

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.