This unit of study will include consideration of the social and cultural contexts that influence curriculum and pedagogy in education and training settings. Theoretical and practical considerations will be drawn upon to investigate and critique how political, economic, social and cultural factors surround and infuse curriculum and pedagogy. Ways to develop socially just curriculum and pedagogy, and the grounds for doing so, will be explored with specific reference to how the intended is not necessarily the actual curriculum in settings of practice. Pedagogical practices to engage students across a range of social contexts, including active participation by teachers, students and parents in curriculum review and development processes, will be an integral component in considering both the theory and practice of education for social justice.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Other
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
24
Unit code:
EED6002

Prerequisites

EED6001 - Contemporary Issues in Education and Training

Unit EED6001 is a pre-requisite or co-requisite requirement that applies only for students studying the following courses: EMED Master of Education, EGED Graduate Diploma in Education, ETED Graduate Certificate in Education.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Investigate contemporary debates about curriculum and pedagogy;  
  2. Critically analyse the social, cultural, political and economic factors that influence curriculum and pedagogy in education and/or training;  
  3. Compare and contrast influences that shape curriculum and pedagogy within socio-cultural and political-economic contexts;  
  4. Consider theories, along with analysis of trends and patterns,offer explanatory power for understanding how power works through curriculum and pedagogy in education and training settings;  
  5. Critically engage with literature relevant to the student's professional practice; and  
  6. Develop curriculum that is flexible and responsive to the experiences of learners, considering how curriculum can be put to work to further social justice.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Presentation Oral presentation that is a critical analysis of an academic artefact with a focus on curriculum and pedagogy. (equivalent to 1200 words) 15%
Literature Review An analysis and critique of two or three selected texts (equivalent to 2000 words) 25%
Essay A critical exploration of key issues in this unit, as negotiated with the lecturer(equivalent to 4800 words) 60%
Total assessment for this unit will be 8000 words or equivalent.

Required reading

The Curriculum Studies Reader (4th Edition).
Flinders, D & Thornton, S.,(eds) 2012
New York: Routledge.

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