EDF6642 - Contexts for childhood

Leader(s): Dr M Blaise

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Evening)
Singapore Term 3 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

In this unit students will critique the constructions of childhood and children across cultures and historical periods. In particular, students will deconstruct the images of the child found in the local, national and international literature, curriculum, and teaching programs and their associated environments. In drawing upon contemporary learning theories students will analyse the relationship between the contexts created for children and the beliefs held about children within the particular communities under study. Students will be encouraged to apply these new understandings to their work with young children and/or explore the possibilities for new curriculum design

Objectives

As a result of participating in this unit students will gain opportunities to critique constructions of childhood and children across cultures and historical periods; deconstruct the images of the child found in the local, national and international literature, curriculum, and teaching programs and their associated environments; consider multiple views of childhood and children and the range of environments created to support learning; draw upon contemporary theory to analyse the relationship between the contexts created for children's learning and the beliefs held about children across a range of cultures.

Assessment

Poster and Class Presentation (equivalent 3200 words): 40%
Written Report (equivalent 4800 words): 60%

Contact hours

3 hours per week