Course content

The course is at the intersection of childhood studies, law, policy and research. It provides students with an overview of different declarations on and approaches to children's rights from a historical perspective, with a particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Furthermore, it engages with sociocultural understandings of what rights are and what they entail in diverse contexts. The course focuses on emerging issues on the rights of children in vulnerable situations, children's participation in social, cultural, political and digital spheres of society, the role of Non-Governmental Organizations in the implementation of children's rights, and assessments of national reports on children's rights. Through nuanced discussion, the course also provides students with knowledge about competing and more critical discourses and theorizations concerning children's rights.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has advanced knowledge about:

• the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, its history and overall principles
• contemporary theoretical debates and judicial principles about children's rights
• how different actors make use of children's rights to improve children's living conditions and well-being
• local, regional and global discourses on children's rights
• current tensions and challenges regarding children's rights in different parts of the world

Skills

The candidate has developed the skills to:

• assess and critically analyze the extent to which children's rights are ensured in various contexts
• present research-based arguments in written and oral discussions on various themes in children's rights

General competence

The candidate has developed general competence in:

• critically understanding the origins, principles, limits and implementation of children's rights from an interdisciplinary perspective
• independent and collaborative work through individual and group tasks
• problem-solving and critical thinking related to children's rights in research, policy-making, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and everyday life

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of: (1) lectures with assignments; (2) seminars addressing children’s rights in practice; (3) field visit(s).

Attending lectures, seminar(s) and field visit(s) are compulsory activities (minimum 80% attendance).

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory attendance in lectures, seminar(s) and field visits (80%)

Recommended previous knowledge

It is an advantage to have read the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and be familiar with the legal language in the document.

Required previous knowledge

Admittance to the course requires a bachelor’s degree in a social science or humanities disci­pline, or equivalent.

Students in the master’s programme in Childhood studies will be prioritised.

Course materials

Information will be given at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions