Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EDUC 471 D200

Curriculum Development: Theory and Practice (4)

Class Number: 3737

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 1:30–5:20 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:

The construction of a curriculum, whether within the parameters of an individual lesson, a discrete course, or a program of study, is driven by assumptions regarding who is being taught and what those particular students can and should learn.  These assumptions are, in turn, shaped by contextual factors that operate at multiple levels: individual, organizational, and institutional (social).  At the same time, the consciously constructed curriculum—the intended curriculum—is not necessarily the same as what students learn in formal courses of study.  There are other curricula that emerge, and they may complement, compete with, or subsume the intended curriculum.  This course is designed to explore these issues through the lens of various curriculum theories, and to consider the implications for teaching and learning in multiple and diverse contexts.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course is designed to help you meet the following learning objectives:

  • Through ongoing reading, discussion, and reflection, make sense of and be able to articulate a definition of “curriculum;” understand the practical implications of your definition of/approach to “curriculum.”
  • Analyze curricula using several different theoretical frameworks, such as curriculum ideologies and cultures of curriculum;
  • Participate in the development of a curriculum project that reflects a coherent vision and set of assumptions about teaching and learning;
  • Engage in meta-cognitive reflection regarding your own approach to learning, and about your learning within the course;
  • Further develop the capacities for critical thinking, peer collaboration, effective verbal and written communication, and reflective practice.

Grading

  • Final Reflective Portfolio 35%
  • Curriculum Project 35%
  • Participation in synchronous & asynchronous discussions & activities 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

This course will meet remotely (virtually) on a weekly basis on Zoom.  Participation in these synchronous ("live") sessions will be factored into the final grade.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All required readings will be available electronically, either through the SFU library or posted on Canvas. 


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 SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 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).