Middlebury

INTD 1185

The Politics of Play

The Politics of Play
In this course we will look at historical and cultural constructions of play in anthropology, psychology, anarchist theory, the “new sociologies of childhood” and the UK-based field of playwork. We will investigate systems of power and control which act upon children’s time, space and behavior, and play’s intersection with issues of gender, race, class and neurodiversity. Through readings, written work and practical assignments, we will establish a rich understanding of play to explore and move beyond conventional fixed equipment playgrounds to critically examine material and social environments which children and adults create for themselves. (This course counts as an elective towards the SOAN major)
Subject:
Interdepartmental
Department:
Interdepartmental
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
SOC WTR
Equivalent Courses:
SOAN 1185

Sections in Winter 2017

Winter 2017

INTD1185A-W17 Lecture (Leichter-Saxby)