Unit information: Work and Work Placements: Childhood Studies in 2020/21

Unit name	Work and Work Placements: Childhood Studies
Unit code	SPOL20040
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Mike McBeth
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School for Policy Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit enables you to reflect on and develop your employment-related skills and enhance your understanding of work and employment in local, national and international context. You will be supported to find an approved work placement (or placements), complete at least 80 hours of (unpaid) work and develop a critical understanding of work and the contemporary labour market in the context of theories of work, organisation and policies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Show evidence of engagement through completing at least 80 hours unpaid work in an approved professional setting.
2. Audit and develop your workplace skills and critically discuss and reflect on your own career-related motivations and relationship-building abilities.
3. Critically analyse the nature of work and the labour market in local, national and international contexts.
4. Demonstrate creativity in communication using video.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including weekly lectures, practical activities supported by study-group sessions and work placement activities.

Assessment Information

Part 1: Report (70%)

Part 2: Ten minute video (30%)

+ completion of work placement information as additional items for credit

Learning outcome 1 is assessed through work placement information as additional items for credit (pass/fail items); learning outcome 3 is assessed through assignment A (70%); Learning outcomes 2 and 4 are assessed through assignment B (30%)

Reading and References

Brotherton, G., Davies, H. and McGillivray, G. (2011) Working with Children, Young People and Families. London: Sage.

Comrade, L. and Golding, T. (2013) The Short Guide to Working with Children and Young People. Bristol: Policy Press.

Cottrell, S. (2015) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability, 3e. Palgrave Macmillan.

Edgell, S. (2012) The Sociology of Work: Continuity and Change in Paid and Unpaid Work, 2e. London: Sage

Edwards, M. (2009) Civil Society (second edition). Cambridge: Polity Press.

Grint, K. and Nixon, D. (2015) The Sociology of Work, 4e. Cambridge: Polity.

Neugebauer, J. and Evans-Brain, J. (2009) Making the Most of Your Placement. London: Sage

Rochester, C., Ellis Paine, A., Howlett, S., and Zimmeck M. (2012) Volunteering and Society in the 21st Century. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Rook, S. (2015) Work Experience, Placements and Internships. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Seal, M. and Harris, P. (2016) Responding to Youth Violence Through Youth Work. Bristol: Policy Press