University of Wolverhampton, BA (Hons), Childhood and Family Studies and English

Childhood and Family Studies: The first year explores how children develop and consider the needs of the family within society. This focused programme will also examine the five outcomes of Every Child Matters, including child health and safety, child protection and the law, and the child and the changing family. The second year looks at the relationship between children, their family and society, and also at the changing role of the professional. Students will analyse the role of the practitioner in planning, observing and assessing children, and gain valuable experience from time spent on placement. The course also examines the curriculum and explores how children learn, or investigate the important role of play in early years education and care. Students also have the opportunity to take a second placement. The final year will also allow students to widen perspectives on child health, to include the latest international thinking. The course will enable students to keep abreast of current developments relating to policy and practice, including multi-agency working within Integrated Children's services. English: The first year delves into the inner workings of English, exploring theories of language and writing. It focuses on English as it is used today, and provides an introduction to literature and poetry. Year 2 expands on linguistic appreciation, taking in themes as diverse as American literature, Romanticism and journalistic writing. It investigates the literary classics, realism and the novel, as well as bringing critical thinking to studies. The third year provides a historical perspective, from the Renaissance, to the darkest (as well as the most enlightened) corners of 18th Century literature and the Victorian vision, up to the 1960s. It also explores contemporary literature, as well as looking at English in the West Midlands, and issues of gender and language.