Department Education Studies

Level Undergraduate Level 2 and 3

Module leader Dr Mark Pulsford

Credit value 15

Module duration 10 weeks

Assessment 100% coursework

Study location University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introduction

This module will develop your understanding of the concept of masculinities and deepen your knowledge of men as fathers (its common aspects and cross-cultural dimensions). You will examine perspectives on fatherhood and its relationship with the well-being of young children, which will enable you to understand the development of the various roles that fathers can play in the lives of young children. It will analyse relevant variables influencing fatherhood and its associated roles and examine the broader roles of men in early childhood.

Principal Module Aims and Outcomes

• Develop students’ understanding of the concept of masculinities.
• Deepen students’ knowledge of men as fathers (its common aspects and cross-cultural dimensions).
• Enable students to examine perspectives on fatherhood and its relationship with the well-being of young children.
• Enable students to understand the development of the various roles that fathers and men can play in the lives of young children.
• Undertake critical analysis of information related to the roles of fathers in the lives and development of young children.
• Critically evaluate strategies and different approaches in policy and practice for male involvement in services for children and their families.

Syllabus

• Concepts of masculinities: fatherhood, sexuality, roles and the body;
• Men as fathers: Understanding the historical and cultural dimensions of fatherhood;
• Fathers and the well-being of young children
• Variables affecting the role of fathers
• International perspectives on the role of father
• Fatherhood and risk (dysfunctional fathers, absent fathers, fatherhood and age)
• The role of men in young children's settings

Study Time

Type	Required
Lectures	10 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Seminars	10 sessions of 2 hours (17%)
Private Study	90 hours (75%)
Total	120 hours

Assessment

	Weighting	Study Time
Patchwork and Critical Reflection	100%	30 hours
This assignment requires students to select work from a variety of in-class and homework activities that have been developed further following formative discussions with peers and tutors. These 'patchwork pieces' are then drawn together into a holistic portfolio through a critical reflection piece focused on the themes that emerge. It is compulsory to include the selection of patchwork pieces in the final portfolio, but the critical reflection is the only summatively assessed part. This 2500-word critical reflection will draw on academic research literature, policy documents and other pertinent material to respond to a student-tutor negotiated title that develops from students' reflection on their 'patchwork pieces' and enables attainment of the module's learning outcomes.