CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES: POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES DEPARTMENT of SOCIAL WORK
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The White Paper on Families in South Africa it states that, It is essentially through the family that each generation is replaced by the next; that children are born, socialised and cared for until they attain their independence; and that each generation are born, socialised and cared for until they attain their independence The Child and Family Studies programme has been offered as a post-graduate diploma for a number of years within the Department of Social Work. In more recent years and with the new family policy and interest in collaborative endeavours of the Department of Social Development with Child and Family Studies, there has been a realisation that we need to meet the current needs of the communities in which we serve by providing knowledge on Early Childhood Development (ECD), substance abuse within the family and developing programmes for family wellbeing. Upon completion students may be able to proceed with a Master s degree. 2
TARGET AUDIENCE This degree programme is directed at graduate professionals working with children and families who wish to enhance their knowledge of issues pertaining to children and families. Broadly the programme aims to equip graduates with knowledge about theoretical perspectives on the family; macro and micro factors affecting South African families; the diversity of family practices in South Africa and globally; knowledge, skills and the application of research methodologies; as well as ECD and other factors that affect family well-being. STREAMS OF STUDY AVAILABLE STREAMS OUTCOMES Stream 1: Post-graduate Diploma in Child and Family Studies Knowledge about theoretical perspectives on the family; macro and micro factors affecting South African families; and the diversity of family practices in South Africa and Africa more generally Knowledge about the construction of children and childhood in South Africa and Africa more generally Knowledge and skills in research methodologies relevant to children and families Knowledge about policies and programmes pertaining to children and families Stream 2: Post graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Development Knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based programmes for family wellbeing Specific to Stream 2: Knowledge regarding the policies and frameworks and governance of Early Childhood Development Centres Knowledge about the care and wellbeing of children within Early Childhood Development 3
MODULES MODULE TITLE Research Project Classical and Contemporary Theories about the Family KEY OUTCOMES Critically compare research paradigms and apply relevant research by completing a research project. Demonstrate understanding of the main theoretical perspectives on families Distinguish between notions of family and household Critically interrogate assumptions underlying policies and practices relating to families Applied Research Constructions of Children and Childhood Analyse the theoretical and philosophical bases of research in Child and Family Studies from various perspectives; identify a research problem in Child and Family Studies; and design a research proposal. Demonstrate knowledge of different conceptions of childhood historically and geographically Critically analyse the notion of childhood Demonstrate knowledge of diversity in South Africa Families and Households Analyse the impact of macro and micro influences on family practices Appreciate the diversity of family practices Recognise power relations in contemporary families Policies and Programmes for Families in Poverty Child Protection Assess policies, strategies and programmes relevant to family poverty Be familiar with relevant legislation in relation to child protection Demonstrate understanding of situations causing vulnerability in childhood Critically evaluate types of interventions in child protection Children s Rights, Family and Society Understand different declarations on children s rights in Africa and South Africa Understand the application of international human rights to domestic law in Africa and South Africa, with special reference to vulnerable groups of children in African settings Understand the role of children s rights monitoring structures, including international and national NGO s and other relevant bodies which play a role in monitoring the implementation of children s rights Understand principles concerning the best interests of the child and the right of the child to be heard and seen in light of the UN Convention and various legal situations, private and public, that involve children Youth in Urban Society Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different theoretical frameworks of youth studies Understand cultural and institutional constructions of youth Parent and Child Interaction Demonstrate an understanding of parenting styles and process Critically analyse the notion of parenthood Understand the notion of cultural diversity in South African parenting 4
MODULE TITLE Family Wellbeing Programme Substance abuse in the family KEY OUTCOMES Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of terms and concepts in line with family wellbeing in the context of theory and policy Identify and critically analyse theoretical frameworks, policy, best practice models and programmes for family wellbeing Understand and implement the role of evidence-based practices Demonstrate knowledge of different methodologies supporting the development of evidence-based programmes for family wellbeing Create an evidence-based programme for family wellbeing Demonstrate an understanding of the different concepts and terms relevant to substance abuse and substance abuse in the family Critically understand and implement relevant substance abuse policies and frameworks Identify risk and protective factors in the family of a substance abuser Theoretically analyse and review the intervention and prevention models, programmes and frameworks to create best practice models to manage substance abuse in the family Create guidelines for families with a substance abuser ECD: Childcare and Wellbeing ECD: Policy and frameworks ECD: Governance Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of children s developmental stages, behaviour and wellbeing Understand the concept of psychosocial wellbeing and support Identify and evaluate indicators relating to a child s development and behaviour (or growth) Critically evaluate ethical practices when caring for children in ECD Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the different policies, strategies, frameworks, theories and programmes relevant to ECD Understand the importance of implementing policy within ECD practice Critically evaluate compliance and implementation of policy within ECD Critically evaluate the concept of governance Understand ECD governance in line with the requirements set out by Government Understanding governance of ECD at community level Identify the barriers/challenges of communities in relation to ECD Create an evidence-based governance plan to be implemented in the context of community-based organisations in the context of Early Childhood Development Implement governance in the context of community-based organisations in the 5
MODULE NAME NQF LEVEL OF MODULE CREDITS CORE/ELECTIVE YEAR LEVEL NEW/CURRENT MODULE CODE CORE MODULES = 70 CREDITS Research Project 8 30 Core 1 Current SCF701 Classical and Contemporary Theories about the family 8 10 Core 1 Current SCF702 Applied Research 8 20 Core 1 Current SCF712 Constructions of Children and Childhood 8 10 Core 1 Current SCF706 ELECTIVE MODULES = 50 CREDITS CHOSEN FROM: Stream 1 Families and Households 8 10 Compulsory 1 Current SCF705 Policies and Programmes for Families in poverty 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF707 Child Protection 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF708 Children s Rights, Family and Society 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF709 Youth in Urban Society 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF710 Parent and Child Interaction Family Wellbeing Programme Substance abuse in the family TOTAL 8 20 Elective 1 Current SCF711 8 20 Elective 1 New SCF723 8 20 Elective 1 New SCF713 120 CREDITS Stream 2 ECD: Childcare and Wellbeing ECD: Policy and frameworks 8 20 Compulsory 1 New SCF716 8 10 Compulsory 1 New SCF715 ECD: Governance 8 20 Compulsory 1 New SCF717 TOTAL 120 CREDITS 6
PROGRAMME DELIVERY The programme is currently available via e-learning, on condition that students attend block sessions for each module. Block modules will be offered in February and July/August. The remainder of the assessment tasks and interaction will be conducted in an e-learning environment. Students would preferably have to have computer and internet access to undertake this programme. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A minimum of a 3-year degree, preferably in the Social Sciences, Arts, Law, Education or Humanities OR 3-year professional degree, with a C-aggregate. Prospective candidates will be required to make themselves available for an interview and a written assessment task. Special arrangements will be made for applicants from outside Cape Town. A reference from a lecturer/professor who can attest to the applicant s academic ability. APPLY ONLINE VIA THE UWC WEBSITE: https:// www.uwc.ac.za (using the programme code: 8849) CONTACT DETAILS For further information about the programme, please contact: Administrator: Mr Arthur Chikware Telephone: (021) 959 3674 Fax: (021) 959 2845 email: achikware@uwc.ac.za OR Programme Co-Ordinator: Mrs Edna Rich Telephone: (021) 959 9486 Fax: (021) 959 2845 email: erich@uwc.ac.za 7