EDF3151 - Literacy theory, policy and practice - 2017

This unit focuses on historical perspectives and theories in literacy, debates on best practices, and emerging theories of literacy to account for the shift towards a rapidly changing technological and culturally diverse world. It explores different theoretical ways to explain how we develop reading, writing, oral and visual literacies. National and international literacy policy is examined alongside these ideas in order to understand how policy environments influence the ways in which these theoretical perspectives are taken up and positioned in curriculum and schools.

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

1. understand a range of theories related to becoming literate
2. explore a range of theoretical models related to how we develop reading, writing, oral and visual literacies
3. examine national and international policy initiatives on literacy from an historical perspective
4. develop an understanding of the various theoretical debates surrounding literacy teaching and learning
5. explore how the various policy initiatives and debates surrounding literacy have influenced the ways in which different theoretical ideas are positioned in curriculum and schools today.

Group oral presentation (2000 words equivalent, 50%)

Digital essay (2000 words, 50%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • 24 hours over the semester
2. Additional requirements:
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Damien Lyons

Primary education