Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate, Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The emphasis in the unit is on the nature of the curriculum as it is enacted in the classroom and its connection to whole-school, community practices and global concerns including philosophical, moral and political dimensions. The implications of connecting the curriculum in order to address a variety of concerns relate to the professionalism of the educator, her pedagogy and assessment practices. In
association with the practicum, students are required to critically evaluate, apply and imagine curriculum ideas that enable teachers to teach in educative settings. The unit will draw on contemporary curriculum developments internationally and in Australia including: nationalising the curriculum, who actually controls the curriculum, making the curriculum educative, curriculum integration, and community-based curriculum.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, pre-service students should be able to:

1. develop a critical perspective on historical and contemporary curriculum ideas;
2. understand the notion of an educative curriculum and be able to critique the notion of the disciplines and inter-disciplinary studies;
3. understand the implications of the philosophical and political dimensions of the curriculum and how these impact pedagogical and assessment practices; and
4. apply these understandings by constructing a robust critique of a current curriculum practice.

Assessment

Two written assignments 2 x 50% (equivalent to 2000 words each).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Scott Webster

Contact hours

3 (max) contact hours per week

Prerequisites

Enrolment in pre-service teacher education qualification Bachelor of Education or Graduate Diploma of Education.