EDF6641

The social and political contexts of early childhood ( 12 points, SCA Band 0, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms M Hammer

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Evening)

Synopsis: Unit will analyze the relationship between the political, economic and social factors influencing contemporary early childhood education and care. An examination of national and international developments in policy, practice and research. The construction and reconstruction of early childhood education and care will be critiqued using a range of theoretical perspectives. Knowledge construction and its ratification within and external to the profession will be considered. Cross-cultural perspectives and global developments will be explored in relation to local enactments of policy and practice and insights into future orientations for early childhood education and care will be constructed

Objectives: As a result of participating in this unit students will gain opportunities to: 1. analyse the relationship between the political, economic and social factors influencing contemporary early childhood education and care; 2. critically examine national and international developments in policy, practice and research for early childhood education and care; 3. develop understandings about knowledge construction and its ratification within and external to the profession of early childhood education; 4. consider cross-cultural perspectives and global development in relation to local and regional enactments of policy and practice in early childhood education; and 5. gain new insights into future orientations for early childhood education and care.

Assessment: Seminar or conference presentation and paper (4800 words): 60% + Structured journal (3200 words): 40%

Contact Hours: 3 hours per week