GED2909

Social context of education, policy and practice

Associate Professor T L Seddon

12 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester (Mondays, 6.30 but starting time to be negotiated)
* Clayton

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should understand the social and institutional context of education policy and practice; patterns of continuity and change in education and context; have become familiar with sociological perspectives on education.

Synopsis This subject will examine issues and debates which are changing the way our society educates the next generation. It considers the way knowledge, skills and attitudes are selected, organised and distributed through different education institutions and how patterns of educational provision are changing. The subject will provide an introduction to sociological approaches in the analysis of education. It will be useful for students working in schools and adult education contexts who wish to extend their understanding of education and society. Starting time to be negotiated at first session.

Assessment Seminar: 25%
* Research paper (8000 words): 75%

Recommended texts

Bauman Z Thinking sociologically Blackwell, 1990
Harman G and others Restructuring school management: Administrative reorganisation of public school governance in Australia Australian College of Education, 1991
Seddon T Context and beyond: Reframing the theory and practice of education Falmer, 1994