Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EDUC 837 G031

Seminar in Education, Equity, and Social Theories (5)

Class Number: 4310

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Wed, 4:30–7:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth study of selected topics in education, equity, and social theories.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to provide an overview of recent debates in science education through the lens of equity and social theories and their relation to curriculum and instruction in science. Through this course, students will learn about theoretical perspectives in science education and social justice, identity research in science education, decolonization,  that will help them build a critical perspective on curriculum in science education, and will unpack central concepts in current literature related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Meeting Times:

Wed 4:30 PM – 9:20 PM (including independent work)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

LEARNING GOALS

  • Critically interrogate different paradigms in science education, identifying how traditional curricula and pedagogies have often reproduced systemic inequities, and articulate how alternative theoretical frameworks can disrupt dominant narratives;
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of key social theories relevant to equity in education (e.g., epistemic justice, science identity, science capital, etc.) and rigorously apply these lenses to analyze contemporary issues, policies, and practices in K-12 and informal leaning enviroments;
  • Examine and advance decolonizing approaches to science curriculum, critically assessing the legacy of colonialism in science education, including the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge systems and non-Western ways of knowing, and exploring how decolonizing curriculum and instruction may work in k-12 and informal learning environments;
  • Develop an instance as a critical science educator, articulating a coherent, theoretically-grounded professional perspective on equity and social justice in science education, and experiment with proposing actionable, research-informed strategies for transforming curriculum, instruction, and assessment in their own formal and informal educational contexts.

Grading

  • Micro-assignments 25%
  • Participation 15%
  • Reflective piece 25%
  • Learning journey portfolio 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All the reading will be available on Canvas.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.