Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - EDUC 911 G001

Colloquium in Curriculum Theory (I) (3)

Class Number: 2712

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Starting from encounters with and reflections on present-day challenges of decolonization and reconciliation, this course traces a wide range of currents in educational thought, both historical and contemporary, regarding the organization of teaching and learning in both formal and less formal settings. Participants will be expected to read widely, to contribute actively to class discussions, and to develop their ability to think theoretically about curriculum issues of practical significance in their professional lives. Throughout the course we will be concerned to understand the metaphors and values that underlie competing theoretical claims, to evaluate various kinds of empirical evidence and research methodology, and to examine the roles of teachers, administrators and learners as portrayed in curriculum theory. As the course proceeds, the themes and questions to be explored in depth will increasingly be generated by the course participants themselves, and the design and conduct of the classes may incorporate ideas from readings and discussions. 

The class will be co-taught with EDUC 921. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, SFU requires all Fall courses to be taught online. The main weekly online session will take place on Thursdays from 16:30-19:20. In addition, each week there will be activities to complete in collaboration with one or more other members of the class. We will use Canvas to share writing and ideas in between classes.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Through readings and discussion, develop and demonstrate a critical appreciation of a range of works in contemporary curriculum theory, along with with their historical, cutural, political and institutional contexts
  • Develop skills of scholarly critique and exploration in group settings
  • Develop skills of critical self‑re lection using the intellectual tools of curriculum theory
  • Develop a position on a selected topic in curriculum theory and explicate that position in writing, following appropriate scholarly norms

Grading

NOTES:

Conceptions of assessment are part and parcel of conceptions of curriculum. Accordingly the topic of assessment in the course will be revisited from time to time as the course unfolds. A final grade will be allocated according to an agreed‑upon process. Formative feedback will be provided on individual written pieces during the course.

A final paper is expected. Participants in the course will likely be asked to submit first an outline and then at least one draft for feedback before providing a full, “publish ready”, paper at the end of the course.

REQUIREMENTS:

Participants are expected to have prepared for class (readings, supplementary readings, other explorations).  Each student will be asked to take the lead and facilitate learning for others several times through the semester. In class, we will aim for a dialogical ethos of scholarship (whilst exploring what that might mean), openness to new and varied ideas, respect, critical collegiallity, shared learning where we co-construct knowledge, risk-taking and vulnerability. Participants will have opportunities to provide feedback to each other’s work as opportunities to engage in scholarly peer review.  

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

You will need a computer and Internet access that are adequate for full participation in the weekly Thursday class and for regular access to Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

Shawn Wilson, Andrea V. Breen, Lindsay DuPré (Eds.) (2019). Research and Reconciliation: Unsettling Ways of Knowing through Indigenous Relationships. Canadian Scholars. ISBN 9781773381152 (softcover) | ISBN 9781773381169 (PDF) | ISBN 9781773381176 (EPUB).


A further list of readings will be generated as the course progresses, on the basis of participants’ interests and the instructor’s judgement and with reference to the course goals.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).