Overview

This module aims to give an overview of the world of rights and how they work. We will introduce the concept of Human and Children’s Rights. Covering the UNCRC from inception to rights today, this module will look at rights in Wales since devolution – looking at the practical implementation of rights, as well as how to ensure that children are aware of their rights. We will review participation rights listening to children and giving them a voice. Attention will be given to rights around the world, we will look at the implementation of the UNCRC in countries where cultural and traditional practices often take precedent over children’s rights.

Introduction to the UNCRC History of children’s rights in Wales, UK and internationally The 3 ‘P’s: Provision, Protection and Participation Rights into legislation: examples Tensions and Perspectives: a child’s best interest Cross cultural perspectives on rights Rights in action: case studies Children’s participation rights and Article 12 UK Children’s commissioners Educational policy and strategies to promote understanding of children's rights Philosophy for Children (P4C) as a teaching tool for Rights Children's rights: culture, identity and diversity the UNCRC and children's cultural rights Cultural relativism in children's rights practice the 'best interests of the child' in diverse cultural contexts Tokenism, rhetoric and reality of children's rights

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold: D-, D, D+A satisfactory understanding and adequate appreciation of the importance of promoting awareness of rights in cultural contexts; some knowledge of the different meanings attached to the concept of culture; some awareness of children's participation rights; an ability to discuss culture with some reference to children's rights; an awareness of educational strategies to promote cultural awareness (example: the 'Philosophy for Children' method); some knowledge of the UNCRC;

-good -Good: C-, C., C+A good understanding and appreciation of the importance of promoting awareness of rights in cultural contexts;; an ability to discuss culture with well-informed reference to children's rights; a good knowledge of the different meanings attached to the concept of culture; a good engagement with debates relating to children's participation rights; a sound understanding of educational strategies to promote cultural awareness (example: the 'Philosophy for Children' method); a good insight into the UNCRC and related ideas and implications for practice.

-excellent -Excellent: A- to A*A thorough understanding and appreciation of the importance of promoting awareness of rights in cultural contexts; an ability to engage in depth with ideas about culture within the context of children's rights; an excellent knowledge of the different meanings and interpretations attached to the concept of culture; a sound understanding of debates relating to children's participation rights & related debates and tensions; an excellent understanding of educational strategies to promote cultural awareness (example: the 'Philosophy for Children' method); an insightful and very well informed understanding of the principles of the UNCRC and its implications for practice; very good knowledge of related ideas such as cultural relativism.

Learning Outcomes

• 1. Show an informed understanding of the concepts of Human and Children's rights and the UNCRC

• 2.Demonstrate knowledge of Article 12 of the UNCRC the concept and implications of voice of the child in groups

• 3.Understand the conflict between traditional cultural practices and the implementation of the UNCRC

• Demonstrate an understanding of the need for resources to educate rights holders about the UNCRC