modul 1: werkstattmodul - fh potsdam

Fachbereich Sozialwesen

Module Handbook

M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights

Valid from

Winter Semester 2016/17

(Lt. Fachbereichsratbeschluss vom 30.08.2016)

Note: Non-formal translation of the German version. Available here: https://www.fh-potsdam.de/fileadmin/user_dateien/2_studieren-FB_Sozialwiss/Pruefung/Ordnungen_Module/SG_MACR/Modulhand-buch_M_A__Childhood_Studies_and_Children_s_Rights_ori_fin.pdf

https://www.fh-potsdam.de/fileadmin/user_dateien/2_studieren-FB_Sozialwiss/Pruefung/Ordnungen_Module/SG_MACR/Modulhandbuch_M_A__Childhood_Studies_and_Children_s_Rights_ori_fin.pdf



Module Handbook for the M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights

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The web-based learning platform Moodle is used in all modules of the M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights. All relevant documents are made available here (litera-ture, references, course texts, seminar plans, tasks, etc.) and there are e-forum discus-sions on the learning contents.


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Mandatory Modules


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Module 1: Childhood Studies

Semes-ter

Fre-quency of offer

Duration Type ECTS-Credit Points

Student Workload

1 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 60h face-face and 240h self-study, exam prepara-tion and follow-up

Requirements for participation

Applicability Module exam and other re-quirements

Enrolled in M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights

Use of the mod-ule in M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights

Relevant for final grade: Written module paper (approx. 5000 words)

Not relevant for final grade:

Active participation

Qualification aims

Students know about different theories and concepts of childhood research and can apply them inde-

pendently to children’s rights and children’s rights’ fields of action. Furthermore, they can recognize and ex-

plain childhood research theories and concepts in their respective relevance and set of possible problems

and to analyze the living situation of children as well as for political, pedagogical and legal action. Students

are able to recognize childhoods and childhood concepts in their historical and cultural variability and to

analyze them comparatively and they can analyze the social reality of children in different historical, social,

cultural, political, geographical and economic contexts and students can refer them to fields of action.

Teaching content

The introductory module consists of two seminars. The introduction to seminar I, which is dedicated to the-

ories and investigations of international social scientific childhood studies, is a reflection of the students on

their own, personal or professional experiences. Seminar II is dedicated to research approaches and results

on the development of childhood images and childhood courses as well as generational relations in varying

historical epochs and cultures. Special emphasis is placed on social living conditions, power structures and

gender aspects.

Courses

Seminars Teaching and Learning format SWS (weekly se-mester hours)

Seminar I Discussions; self- reflection; lecture and analysis of theoretical texts; group work; reflection and discussion of prepared questions and theses

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5

Seminar II Lecture of selected research works; discourse analysis of text- and film documents and images; group work; Reflection and discus-sion of prepared questions and theses.

2


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Module 2: Understanding Children’s Rights

Semester Fre-quency of offer


Student Workload

1 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 75h face-face and 225h self study, exam prep-aration and follow-up

Requirements for par-ticipation


Enrolled in M.A. Child-hood Studies and Children’s Rights

Use of the mod-ule in M.A. Childhood Studies and Chil-dren’s Rights

Relevant for final grade Written module paper (approx.. 5000 words)

Not relevant for final grade


Qualification aims

Students have the competence to understand and analyze the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

as well as other international child rights documents in their structure, drafting process, their functional-

ity and in their relation to the varying living circumstances and cultural contexts of children. They are able

to understand children’s rights as element of the international human rights system and to identify and

demonstrate the relations between international, European and national law, as well as local rights tra-

ditions with reference to children’s right. They have the competence to understand and exemplary

demonstrate the relevance of children’s rights in youth welfare systems and court proceedings. The stu-

dents can comparatively analyze different concepts and theories of children’s rights in their respective

relevance and difficulty for political, pedagogical and legal action. In addition, they can identify the rele-

vance of children’s rights for possible ways and problems of implementing them on the basis of examples

from politics and practice, and they learn these ways by using tools to break ground, or counter problems

respectively.

Teaching content

In this module, children’s rights are highlighted from a perspective of different disciplines. Children’s

rights as human rights, their implementation and further development are at the center, special emphasis

is laid on the relation between international and national law as well as unwritten laws and rights tradi-

tions of different cultures. The module consists of two seminars with an accompanying tutorial. In semi-

nar I, international, regional and German children’s rights documents are presented and critically compar-

atively investigated with a view to their relevance for children themselves and their possibilities for im-

plementation. Seminar II deals with the historical development and present implementation of children’s


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rights including their philosophical, anthropological, sociological and ethical reasoning. In the tutorial

both questions from seminar I and seminar II are discussed with a focus on their relevance for practice.

Courses

Seminars Teaching and Learning format SWS (weekly

semester hours)

Seminar I Interactive lectures; group work on the basis of lecture and analysis of theoretical texts of child- and further human rights documents; re-flection and discussion of prepared questions and theses

2

Seminar II Interactive lectures; group work on the basis of lecture and analysis of theoretical texts of children’s and further human rights documents; small case studies, presentations and discussion of case studies

2

Tutorium Working on exercises in written form with regard to seminar I+II con-tent; analysis of case studies.

1


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Module 3: Methods and Techniques of Childhood and

Children’s Rights Research



Student Workload

1 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 50h face-face and 250h self-study, exam prepa-ration and follow-up






Not relevant for final grade: Active participation

Qualification aims

The students are able to question research and research results on their theoretical and methodological

bases as well as identify different perspectives of children and researchers and put themselves in the posi-

tion of children’s perspectives. They are able to work in partnership with children in research, planning and

evaluation processes and to include children in research. They have the competence to plan, implement

and evaluate practical projects with reference to international children’s rights in a participative way. Addi-

tionally, they can make decisions on plausible research methods for student works and adequately report

about research results. They can write scientific papers formally correct abiding to the generally used stand-

ards.

Teaching content

The seminar imparts the necessary basics to implement own research and to critically judge existing re-

search results. It conveys knowledge on methods in particular for qualitative and participative research

projects and evaluation of practical projects (methods of data collection and analyzing). Furthermore, eth-

ical and legal questions of research on children are elaborated. In the tutorial on the one hand tools to write

scientific papers and on the other hand opportunities are opened to practice the learned methods with case

studies in small research projects.

Courses

Seminars Teaching and Learning format SWS (week semester

hours)

Seminar Lecture/Presentation; discussion; joint methods analysis of particular 2


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case studies

Tutorium Essay-writing; development of different research methods (group work) (18h)

1,5

Mentoring- program

(2h)


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Module 4: Work and Education of Children in an International and Intercultural Comparison


Duration Type ECTS-Credit Points Student Workload

2 an-nually

1 Sem. manda-tory

10 300h, incl. 75h face-face and 225h self study, exam prepara-tion and follow-up


Applicability Module exam and other require-ments

Responsible Person




Not relevant for final grade: Active participation

Qualification aims

The students can understand and explain the social and cultural backgrounds of children’s work and their

different meanings for children. They are able to look critically into political concepts and strategies in

dealing with children’s work and respective legal regulations, as well as develop and formulate own posi-

tions and possible ways for their implementation. They can understand and explain play and work as

different cultural practices of children in their context and contradictions. The students acquire the com-

petence to identify the advantages and disadvantages of formal and informal learning and education

processes for children and depict possible fields of application as well as child-centred learning concepts

with the situations of children in different living circumstances, explain and implement them in practice.

In addition, they can relate the right to education as well as economic and social rights to concrete living

situations of children and develop possibilities/opportunities for their implementation.

Teaching content

Education, play and work are understood as essential/important ingredients/factors of children’s lives,

that have an impact on their self-understanding and living practices. Different forms, reasons and mean-

ings of work, play and education for children and the context/relation between them in different national

and cultural contexts are reflected and the relations to social, economic and cultural rights are elaborated.

In seminar I the theme work, in particular political concepts to fight child labour and their critical analysis

in particular with reference to testimonies of working children in the Global South are at the center. Sem-

inar II focuses on education. Particular attention is given to global and intercultural learning as well as

inclusive education. The thematic field/area play, leisure time is dealt with in both seminars. Alongside

the research literature, case studies and testimonies of children in different media are discussed/debated.


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Excursions to educational institutions take place in the tutorial.

Courses

Seminars Teaching and Learning format SWS (week semester

hours)

Seminar I Group work; preparation and management of topic related sessions 2

Seminar II Group work; preparation and management of topic related sessions 2

Colloquium Interpretation of case studies and self-testimonies; excursion 1


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Module 5: Children out of place

and Child Rights oriented Practice

Semester Fre-quency of

offer

Duration Type ECTS-Credit Points Student Workload

2 annually 1 Sem. man-datory

10 300h, incl. 75h face-face and 225h self study, exam preparation and follow-up



Responsible Person


Use of the module in M.A. Childhood Studies and Chil-dren’s Rights




Qualification aims

The students are able to analyze the different life situations of socially disadvantaged, marginalized, ex-

cluded and discriminated children and they have the competence to depict and critically judge the rele-

vance of different theories for the analysis of the living situations of these children. They acquire the

competence to understand the dialectics of social disadvantage and survival actions and make relations

between disadvantaged living circumstances and children’s rights as well as judge codified and non-cod-

ified children’s rights in view of their appropriateness and feasibility for implementation. They can relate

the universal claim of children’s rights to specific, different cultural traditions and specific living circum-

stances. In addition, they have knowledge of subject and child rights oriented concepts for action as well

as the competency to judge and challenge these concepts on their appropriateness and effectiveness.

They are able to elaborate problem analysis and diagnoses for strategies of intervention on specific fields

of action as well as to plan and evaluate research and praxis projects with the active participation of the

addressees. And they can formulate project applications as well as write up thematic and financial pro-

ject reports.

Teaching content

Living circumstances of children in socially disadvantaged and culturally marginalized situations as well

as forms of coping with life are at the center of this module. With reference to action theories and law

based action concepts, indispensable preconditions are imparted for claiming children’s rights. Further

competencies are acquired through different sources and materials (e.g. children’s testimonies, UN docu-


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ments, project reports, internet sources). In Seminar I children’s rights -based and subject-oriented con-

cepts for actions and self-help initiatives as well as social movements are analyzed in view of their rele-

vance for the implementation of socially disadvantaged and marginalized children’s rights. In Seminar II,

theoretical and methodological basics of planning and evaluating research- and practical projects as well

as knowledge for the elaboration of project proposals and project reports are imparted. In the frame of

the tutorial, examples of best practice are reasoned. Exercises form part of the sessions.

Courses

Courses Teaching and Learning format SWS (weekly semester

hours)

Seminar I Review and study of literature; internet researches; contributions to discussion; group work

2

Seminar II Review and study of literature; exemplary analysis of project applica-tions and reports; group work

2

Tutorium Group work; exercises 1


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Module 6: Children and Media


offer


Student Workload

2 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 75h face-face and 225h self study, exam preparation and follow-up



Responsible Person






Qualification aims

The students acquire knowledge on theories and research concerning children’s and young peoples’ media

usage and media socialization. They are able to analyze children’s media usages (incl. internet) and to

judge them with reference to aspects of meaning and impact on children. They can judge the representa-

tion of children in media with consideration of legal, social, psychological and ethical aspects and can

develop appropriate forms of children’s media protection including the placement of media competen-

cies. Students learn to detect the relevance of data protection and informational self-determination of

children and can analyze and assess/evaluate the participation of children in media productions consid-

ering legal, social, psychological and ethical aspects. With respect to these aspects as well as questions

on gender and diversity, students can use media in their pedagogical work and develop media produc-

tions with children. Additionally, they can practice human rights education with children by using differ-

ent forms of media.

Teaching content

Theories and research on media use and children’s and young peoples’ media socialization concerning

print- and electronic media; internet as medium for children’s communication; legal, social, psychological

and ethical aspects of representation of children in media; chances and risks of using media, children’s

media protection and conveyance of media competency; media relevant children’s rights; data protection

and informational self-determination of children; children as actors in media as well as legal and peda-

gogical aspects of children’s work protection; media work with children and media imparted forms of

children’s participation; media production about and with children; media usage in pedagogical institu-

tions, media imparted human rights education for and with children of different age groups. In seminar I

social and legal basics for the analysis of relations of children and media are imparted. In seminar II action


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concepts for media work and medial human rights education of and with children are developed. In the

tutorial, practical examples are analyzed, different media are developed and exercises are conducted. In

the frame of the tutorial excursions to different media organizations take place.

Courses

Seminars Teaching and Learning format SWS (weekly semester

hours)

Seminar I Review and study of literature; internet researches; contributions to discussion; group work

2

Seminar II Review and study of literature; internet researches; working on praxis models

2

Tutorium Review of practical examples; group work; exercises; excursions 1


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Elective mandatory modules


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Module 7a: Internship


offer


Student Workload

3 annually 1 Sem. man-datory

10 300h, incl. 10h face-face, 235h practice (internship) and 55h self-study, exam preparation and follow-up



Responsible Person


Use of the module in M.A. Childhood Studies and Chil-dren’s Rights

Not relevant for final grade Written module paper (approx.. 5000 words)

Not relevant for final grade Active participation

Qualification aims

The students have an exemplary insight into a child rights relevant field of action and acquire the com-

petence to judge the relevance of the field for the implementation of children’s rights.

Teaching content

The internship conveys exemplary insights into an action field relevant to children’s rights (e.g. in public

institutions, non-governmental organizations, international organizations). The internship report is

meant to be informative of the objectives for action, work tasks and processes, problems in their imple-

mentation and relevance for the field of action in view of the implementation of children’s rights and the

necessary competencies of staff at the internship placement. The colloquium takes place as two block

sessions together with the students who have elected the “research proposal” and “practical project”

within module 7.

Courses


hours)

Internship Working in an institution for internship (235 h); diary/report

Kolloquium Development of observation guideline and structure of the internship report supported by the students mentor

1

Mentoring-program

Development and discussion of the internship report with students mentor (5h)


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Module 7b: Practical Project


offer


Student Workload

3 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 60h face-fa-ceand 235h practice (pro-ject) und 55h self-study, exam preparation and fol-low-up



Modulverantwortliche(r)


Use of the module in M.A. Childhood Studies and Children’s Rights


Not relevant for final grade


Qualification aims

The students are able to plan, implement and evaluate a children’s rights project either individually or

in teams. They know about funding possibilities and know how they can successfully apply for project

funding as well as take on conceptual and management functions in a child rights relevant field of ac-

tion.

Teaching content

The practical project can have different forms. E.g. a lecture series on a child rights relevant theme can

be conceptualized and implemented in a working group. Applying for funding is one part of such a prac-

tical project. Another example is e.g. the conceptualization and implementation of a children’s rights

day in the frame of a children’s uni or participation in projects of organizations, with whom the MACR

cooperates. The planning and implementation of the project is accompanied by regular meetings with

the responsible persons for the module, or mentors respectively. The colloquium takes place in two block

sessions together with the students who have elected to engage in a “research proposal” or an “intern-

ship”.

Courses


hours)

Project Collaborate in a project (235 h), diary/report


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Kolloquium Development of observation guideline and structure of the project re-port supported by the students mentor

1

Mentoring-program

Development and discussion of the project report with mentor (5h)


20

Module 7c: Research Proposal


offer


Student Workload

3 annually 1 Sem. mandatory 10 300h, incl. 35h face-to-face and 235h working on re-search proposal und 35h self- study, exam preparation and follow-up



Responsible Person


Use of the module in M.A. Child-hood Studies and Chil-dren’s Rights


Not relevant for final grade Active participation

Qualification aims

Students are qualified to conceptualize practice-related research on a field concerning childhood studies

or children’s rights. They can plan and evaluate a children’s rights research project and are prepared to

assume leadership positions in a field of research relevant to children’s rights.

Teaching content

The research proposal shall be conceptualized so that the planning, implementation and evaluation of a

of a practical project is eased and founded. It can be planning a case study in a pedagogical, social or

juridical field of action with relevance to0 children’s rights; a qualitative study on a selected child hood

studies or children’s rights theme, an evaluation of a pedagogical or social project with children in Ger-

many or another European or extra European country. The elaboration of the research proposal is accom-

panied by a regular colloquium. In order to enable exchange between the students who are engaged in

an internship or a practical project the colloquium will also be held in the form of two block session with

all students.

Courses


hours)

Mentoringprogram Presentation and discussion of the research proposal with men-tor (5 h)

Kolloquium Development of research proposal; oral presentation 2


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Research Proposal (230 h)

modul 1: werkstattmodul - fh potsdam

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