What will I learn on this module?
Throughout this module you will investigate the social, political, economic and cultural factors that have influenced, and continue to influence, the lives of children and young people in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This module will seek to explore the lives of young people through the consideration of a number of pertinent societal issues. Firstly you will critically analyse the proposition that there is a ‘discourse of difference’ in British society when considering young people. You will be asked to consider the extent to which young people are considered as ‘other’. To further develop this theme, the questions of how ‘youth’ is conceptualised within society, and in what ways these concepts are considered negative or positive, will be examined. A detailed exploration of key cultural, social, political and economic factors will support the informed discussion of these questions. In particular, the module will focus on the central issues of class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and inequality in the context of youth cultures and sub cultures.
How will I learn on this module?
Throughout this module, you will be able to learn in a wide variety of ways. Your self-directed reading and learning activity will form an important part of your learning, alongside a structured programme of lectures and follow-up seminars. Seminars will provide you with an opportunity to discuss, develop and consolidate your thinking in a small group. A range of electronic and interactive resources will be available via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP), including tutors’ summaries that will complement lecture material and discussion boards.
Your development of knowledge and understanding in this module will be shaped by your ability to relate theories and concepts of ‘youth’ to media representations of young people and the effects that these have on young people. As such, you will engage with theory to critically explore how young people are represented within contemporary culture and consider the impacts that this has on their everyday lives.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Tutors will support your learning through a variety of ways on this module. They will provide a programme of lectures that relates to the learning outcomes for the module; these lectures will make connections between theory, media representations and the everyday lives of young people, as we expect you to do. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work in a smaller seminar group where you will have the opportunity to discuss lecture content and your insights gained from directed tasks. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the eLP
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Examine key factors within the social world that impinge upon the lives of young people in the 21st century.
2. Distinguish a range of discourses on ‘youth’.
3. Compare and contrast current representations of young people within media and culture and the impact these can have on the lives of young people.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. The ability to conduct discourse analysis of secondary sources.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Consider and evaluate student’s potential role as an advocate on behalf of young people.
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment and rationale for tasks
Assignment chosen from a selection of topics and using a variety of research approaches:
a. a Analysis of secondary data to consider the social, economic and cultural changes that have occurred in young people’s lives within the last 30 years
b. Analysis of recent research on a specific topic related to young people
c. A regional case study
d. Analysis and evaluation of media representations of young people
This assessment addresses all of the module learning outcomes.
Summative Tasks(Examples):
1. Definitions of Youth(1000 words) (MLO 1-2)
2.Exploration of a contemporary Youth issue/Youth Culture/Youth Identity(2000 words) (MLO 1,3,4,5)
Formative assessment – detail of process and rationale
Participation in a series of discussions on key issues relating to young people. Topics linked to course content and requiring students to read around the topics as they arise. Indicative reading to be provided with a particular focus on academic journals.
Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning
Students will receive feedback via:
Written comments on assessed work, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and indicating pathways to the further development of knowledge and skills. Areas of concern will be linked to positive advice on how to address issues.
Informal feedback throughout the module via lectures, seminars and group tutorials. Emphasis will be on supporting students to develop confidence in their own abilities to carry out the assigned research and delivery tasks. Levels of support provided will aim to be flexible and responsive to the needs of the students as they progress through the module.
Opportunities for peer support and feedback will also be fully utilised through group activities. With student agreement the e-learning portal will be utilised to share relevant materials generated by seminar discussions.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code W3P9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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