Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 471 E100

Curriculum Development: Theory and Practice (4)

Class Number: 1438

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explorations of curriculum theory and processes of development with applications at different levels and in several subject areas.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered completely online. Classes will happen through Bb Collaborate Ultra available on Canvas during the lecture time and all the assignments will be posted online. Students are expect to engage during the classes using audio (video is optional). Students who face connection problems or for some reason do not have access to Canvas during the time of the class will have the oportunity to download the lecture that will be available as soon as Bb Collaborate Ultra uploads it at the the end of the class. At the end of every lecture, students will be able to find activities to compensate their absense, including their deadlines.

You should attend the first class even if you are on a waiting list only, in which case, you are expected to email me in advance requesting the link of the online class that will be sent five minutes before the beginning of the first class. Detailed information will be given during the first lesson when I will explain the dinamics of the course and of Bb Collaborate Ultra.


When developing curriculum, we make choices and decisions about what knowledge should be taught and by extension, what gets excluded. When we plan what to teach, we are influenced or guided by certain assumptions and beliefs that affect educational actors at different levels. This course aims at providing a broad perspective of curriculum by exploring different curriculum theories, and also by critically considering the factors that influence curriculum decisions that affect teaching and learning in a pluralistic society.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Overview the field of curriculum development and the competing aims of education;
  • Analyze curriculum in more detail through the lens of current social pressures;
  • Consider curriculum and pedagogy, and how educators must adapt content and teaching strategies to their specific classrooms;
  • Understand curriculum and reform: reflection on what needs to change and what should remain the same;
  • Lastly, envision the future of education to create a personal plan toward teaching.

Grading

  • Introductory positionality towards curriculum 6%
  • Class preparation activities 22%
  • Attendance and in-class activities 22%
  • Reflexive curriculum development 30%
  • Interview with an educator 20%

NOTES:

Classes will happen through Bb Collaborate Ultra available on Canvas during the lecture time and all the assignments will be posted online. Students are expect to engage during the classes using audio (video is optional). Students who face connection problems or for some reason do not have access to Canvas during the time of the class will have the oportunity to download the lecture that will be available as soon as Bb Collaborate Ultra uploads it at the the end of the class. At the end of every lecture, students will be able to find activities to compensate their absense, including their deadlines.

You should attend the first class even if you are on a waiting list only, in which case, you are expected to email me in advance requesting the link of the online class that will be sent five minutes before the beginning of the first class. Detailed information will be given during the first lesson when I will explain the dinamics of the course and of Bb Collaborate Ultra.

There is no final exam for this course.

REQUIREMENTS:

Active engagement in discussions is mandatory; in-class activities and your own learning depend on your active participation. It should be noted that students who miss classes may find that their final grade will be impacted if they do not post the activities to compensate the absence. Every case will be dealt on a case-to-case basis.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

It is necessary access to Canvas and the possibility of engaging with the instructor and with the peers using audio (video is optional).

REQUIRED READING:

All the reading materials will be provided electronically.

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.