York University
 Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
AP/SOCI 4830.30B (F) Childhood and Violence
Fall 2016

Course Description:

This course examines childhood and violence by looking at the family as a source of power dynamics.  It begins by looking at the history of childhood and family.  It then moves on to the theoretical constructs for examining family and abuse.   It then explores violence against children including physical, sexual and psychological.  Finally, we discover how early childhood patterns of violence are related to violent relationships later in life.

Course Organization:

There will be one lecture and two seminar hours per week.  Each student is expected to present on a specific topic assigned in the beginning of the course.

Required Texts

Family Violence Across the Lifespan: An Introduction (2005)
By Ola W. Barnett, Cindy L. Miller-Perrin, Robin D. Perri

Canadian Families: Diversity, Conflict and Change (2011)  by Nancy Mandell and Ann Duffy

Reserve Texts:

Anne Marie Ambert The Effect of Children on Parents
Bakan, Joel. (2011) Childhood Under Siege: How Big Business Targets Children  
Corsaro, William A., (2005)  The Sociology of Childhood  Pine Forge Press
Handel, Gerald.  Spencer E. Cahill and Frederick Elkin (2007).  Children and Society Oxford University Press
Ishwaran, K.(ed.) (1979). Childhood and Adolescence in Canada Toronto: McGraw-Hill.

Formal Requirements:

Seminar Participation (Attendance, seminar involvement and presentation)	20%
Mid Term Take Home Test	20%		(Oct 3)
Final Paper	40%		(Nov 14)
Final Exam	20%		(Dec 5)
	100%

Grading, Assignment Submission,
Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests
Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Assignments and tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.) 
(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar)
Students may take a limited number of courses for degree credit on an ungraded (pass/fail) basis. For full information on this option see Alternative Grading Option in the section of the Undergraduate Calendar in the Department of Sociology.: 
Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  Assignments are to be handed in to the course director on the date specified above.
Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized
Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).
(1/2 letter grade per day)
Missed Tests:  Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor..) Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the Faculty.

All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents)  - 

• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
• Ethics Review Process for research involving human participants
• Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities
• Student Conduct Standards

Religious Observance Accommodation
https://w2prod.sis.yorku.ca/Apps/WebObjects/cdm.woa/wa/regobs

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