Childhood Studies

<p>The nature of childhood, the consideration of whether a certain age denotes innocence or not, and the desire to teach good citizenship to our children are all issues commonly discussed by today's media. This book brings together a variety of perspectives on the study of childhood: how this has been treated historically and how such a concept is developing as we move into the next century.<br>The book is divided into five main sections:<br>*<strong> part one </strong> sets the scene and provides the reader with an overview of attitudes towards childhood.<br>*<strong> part two </strong>surveys the contribution of literature from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries<br>*<strong> part three </strong>examines educational issues such as childrens' play, language acquisition and spiritual development <br>*<strong> part four</strong> looks at the representation of children in film, television and other mass media <br>*<strong> part five </strong>offers further help for study and research<br>This book draws on a number of academic disciplines including education, literature, theology, language studies and history. It will be of particular use to those on Childhood studies courses and all those studying for a teacher qualification. Teachers of children aged between 4-12 years old will find its contribution to their continuing professional development extremely helpful.</p> Part One: Overview 1. Perspectives of Childhood Richard Mills Part Two: Literature 2. The Child in Nineteenth-Century Literature Jean Mills 3. Childhood and Twentieth-Century Children's Literature Fay Sampson Part Three: Education 4. Children at Play Susannah Smith 5. Language and Thought Alison Johnson 6. Moral and Spiritual Growth Jack Priestly Part Four: Cultural Studies 7. Race, Class and Gender Neill Thew 8. Children in Film Stuart Hanson Part Five: Research 9. Uncovering the History of Childhood Maxine Rhodes 10. Researching Childhood Jean Mills and Richard Mills