module specification

This module provides the student with an overview of contemporary issues that young people are facing and allows students to critically discuss these issues whilst relating them to the principles and practice of youth work. Students will draw on the ethics of youth work and anti-oppressive approaches to link high-quality youth work practice to a range of relevant scenarios found in youth and community work settings. In this respect, the module embraces the notions of social justice, anti-discriminatory practice, compassion and inclusion. This is key to the University’s Education for Social Justice Framework.

The module aims:

1. to introduce students to the professional principles and practice of youth work, where a strong emphasis on the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work (NOS) will be made;
2. to develop students’ skills in establishing relationships with young people in a variety of settings in order to facilitate an environment where young people can make sense of their situation, express their aspirations and plan to meet their needs realistically;
3. to enable students to consider the work with young people in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation, and anti-discriminatory behaviour;
4. to encourage the students to take a firm stand against discrimination, prejudice, and oppressive behaviour through their practice;
5. to critically look at institutional discrimination and organisational policies and procedures relating to discrimination and oppression;
6. to critically examine their own values belief systems and attitudes and how these impact on their work;
7. to gain an understanding of how partnership and collaborative working can improve youth work practice and the lives of young people, and provide examples of such collaborative partnership work;
8. to explore a range of issues that young people face, as well as factors that exclude young people and barriers to participation;
9. to identify opportunities for students to engage with critical enquiry into and active learning of the experiences of disadvantaged and marginalised groups will make a major contribution to student learning; and,
10. to facilitate and support the student’s growth by encouraging their educational development in informal and planned situations and interventions with young people.

None

The syllabus will encourage students to think critically about issues affecting young people in contemporary contexts and introduce theory, practice and applied youth work principles in relation to the following themes:

• Linking principles and practice of youth work to youth-identity formation (LOs 1–6)

1. How are identities constructed? (LOs 4 and 5)
2. Issues of body image (LOs 2, 4 and 6)
3. Negative stereotyping and media representations of youths or particular groups of young people (LOs 4, 5 and 6)
4. Pressures of materialism (LOs 4 and 5)

• Linking principles and practice of youth work to social media (LOs 1–6)

1. Issues related to 24hr social networking (LOs 1, 4 and 5)
2. Increasingly sedentary lifestyle (LOs 2, 4 and 5)
3. Positive aspects of social media use among young people (LOs 2, 4 and 6)

• Linking principles and practice of youth work to sex and relationships (LOs 1–6)

1. Healthy relationship (LOs 2, 4 and 5)
2. Self-esteem (LOs 1, 2, 4 and 5)
3. Sexual abuse/trauma (LOs 1, 3, 4 and 6)
4. Feeling loved and respected (LO 4)
5. Gender and sexuality, LGBTQI+ (LOs 1–6)
6. Positive sexual relationship (LOs 4 and 5)

The module will be taught by a blended learning approach to the lecture and the critical discussions that will be facilitated both in and outside class.

A student-centred approach will be adopted in teaching and learning on the module, relying on interactive activities, class discussions and reflections. Visiting practitioners from the youth work profession will present their projects and engage students in problem solving and innovative approaches to working with young people.

A lecture introducing the topic will be followed by a seminar where the emphasis will be on student empowerment through active participation and group work. Weekly reading is expected in order to get the most out of the module.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able:

1. to ensure that work with young people remains within the professional boundaries of a youth worker's role;
2. to describe the core values of youth work and the wider context in which they operate;
3. to discuss organisational policies, procedures and legislation relating to equal opportunities and discrimination;
4. to demonstrate an understanding of issues that young people face and how to work with young people to define their value base;
5. to identify the connection between youth work values and behaviour in practice; and,
6. to demonstrate an awareness of anti-discriminatory practice and behaviour in ways which promote youth work values.

The learning of the module will be assessed through two assignments, a seen scenario due in week 11 and a digital project due in week 23.

Seen scenario (practical/oral presentation)

Each student will be presented with a seen scenario where they will present their rationale and action plan to a panel.

Coursework (digital platform)

Through the development of a digital youth work project, students will address an issue affecting young people, and link this theme to the principles and practice of youth work. Students will also be assessed based on their ability to develop an online platform that provides support to young people.

This module includes formative assessments, which allow students to submit drafts; in turn, draft feedback and one-to-one tutorials will be facilitated so that students can feel confident about their academic progress and prepared for their assignment. Comments on draft work are provided at least a week before the final hand in date, so that students have opportunities to amend their work.

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/lists/431938C5-C4D2-ACB9-5E3C-F47FFC2B142A.html