Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - EDUC 842 G001

Sociocultural Perspectives on the Psychology of Development and Education (3)

Class Number: 2402

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Sociocultural criticisms of traditional views of psychological development and learning are examined, and alternatives advanced by an array of sociocultural theories and research pertaining to individual and collective development are explored with particular attention to their relevance for educational contexts, practices, and aims.

COURSE DETAILS:

SOCIOCULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION 

Given the nature of the course content, students will need previous coursework at the undergraduate level in educational psychology, psychology or in relevant humanities and social science subjects.

This course will examine how social contexts and cultural history shape human understanding and development. Sociocultural perspectives in psychology and education reflect our changing awareness of the importance of contexts and history. Sociocultural perspectives enable us to question traditional assumptions and offer alternative conceptions. They open up a space for new and different ways of thinking. Psychological understanding and development are recognized as fluid and context-dependent. Human development and experience, like the theories we use to explain them, are seen to reflect the social, cultural, historical, moral, and political contexts in which they occur. Themes examined may include: the construction of personal and cultural narratives, historical trauma, early childhood development, mental health, feminism, race, identity and Indigenous experience.

 

Grading

  • Students are required to participate in and lead class discussions. 20%
  • Submit a narrative assignment. 30%
  • Submit a research paper. 30%
  • Presentation of research. 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lindholm, C. (2007). Culture and identity: The history, theory and practice of psychological anthropology. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.  ISBN: 13:978-1-85168-528-8. 

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:

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS