COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Sociology of Youth
Course Code: YDEW 1001
Credits: 3
Competency Standard 3
Year: 1
Course Description
The course will provide the basis for analysing the position of young people within Caribbean societal structures and enable them to understand the influence of social institutions on the personal development of youth. Learners will engage in critiques of societal views and stereotyping of youth as well as development of youth culture and sub-cultures vis-à-vis violence, sexuality, technology, music and culture. Learners will apply skills for working with youth groups with specific reference to supporting positive identity formation among young people through practical group assignments involving young people who are associated with a diversity of sub-cultures. It will also reinforce the role of rights-based approaches to youth development by helping students understand the principles of human rights, including issues of equality, equity and freedom from discrimination. Students will engage in debates on issues within the contemporary Caribbean context which impinge on the rights agenda, including socio- cultural constructions and responses to race, class, gender and religion.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, learners should be able to:
Knowledge
- Examine various perceptions and perspectives on the concept of ‘youth’ within various Caribbean social contexts
- Compare and contrast the major sociological perspectives of youth in society
- Critique societal views and stereotyping of youth in society
- Evaluate the influence of social institutions on the personal development of youth, paying particular attention to youth and community groups
- Identify and critique the emergence and evolution of youth cultures and sub-cultures vis- à-vis violence, sexuality, technology, music and popular culture
- Translate the principles of human rights, equality, equity and freedom from discrimination in youth development practices to the community context
Skills
7. Apply critical sociological perspectives to working with youth groups and youth organisations with specific reference to supporting positive identity formation amongst young people
8. Apply gender, age, ethnic, and disability mainstreaming techniques to youth development work
9. Use the principles of human rights, equality, equity and freedom from discrimination in youth development practice to cases and problem sets based on real-life situations
Attitudes
10. Formulate professional positions on key issues related to contemporary social problems affecting young people in society
11. Advocate for the principles of human rights, equality, equity and freedom from discrimination in youth development practices in communities and Caribbean society
12. Reflect on approaches to the application of principles of human rights, equality, equity and freedom from discrimination in youth development practices in communities and Caribbean society
