EDF6301

New literacy studies ( 12 points, SCA Band 0, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr A Koh

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: Contemporary issues in literacy studies in school, workplace and community settings. The concept of literacy and how definitions of the concept have evolved over time. Why the term is often associated with 'crisis'. How recent studies of literacy as a set of social practices provide important insights into the teaching and uses of literacy in different social contexts. Different public curriculum formulations of literacy and recent approaches to language studies, and their relevance for different literacy contexts.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, students should have developed knowledge and critical understanding of: the concept of literacy and the variable sociohistorical, political and cultural contexts that determine how the concept is defined and understood; the contested nature of literacy studies as an area of study in the curriculum and the reasons for this; the different and competing public formulations of literacy curricula in state and national documents. Students should have opportunities to develop their own theoretical position in relation to prescribed readings and to analyse current literacy policy and curriculum documents.

Assessment: Two assignments (1500 words each): 35% + one major assignment (5000 words): 65%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week