Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - EDUC 912 G001

Colloquium in Curriculum Theory (II) (3)

Class Number: 2278

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is designed to introduce students to selected issues and questions in the scholarly literature on curriculum theory in relation to epistemology and education. Guiding our inquiry with questions such as ‘What is curriculum? ‘Who is it for?’, ‘What values does it represent?’, we will examine the theories and ideologies that  influence our teaching. Some of the themes we will address may include: a brief historical survey of curriculum studies in North America; power; identity, culture, and language; epistemological diversity; addressing difference.

The themes for the course, learning goals, readings and assignments will be finalized in consultation with students, in the first class of the semester, and the final syllabus distributed in the week following. The course content will reflect participants’ prior and ongoing research topics and interests, as well as their academic needs, aspirations, and goals.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Consistent with the program goals for students in the eTAP program, this course will focus on developing students’

  • understanding of historical and contemporary educational theories through the application of these ideas in the analysis of social, moral, cultural, ecological, and political environments;
  • understanding of curriculum theory from a variety of traditions;
  • in-depth understanding of key curriculum theorists;
  • proficiencies in inquiry, analysis, interpretation, and theory-building within research and educational practices;
conceptual understanding of the relationships between theory, practice, and reflection in education through disciplined study, dialogue, presentations, and academic writing.

Grading

  • Lead a seminar 20%
  • Engagement with Curriculum Studies in Canada lecture series, and Podcasts 30%
  • Final paper (set of critical responses, or an academic paper): 50%

NOTES:

Letter grades

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Pinar, William. (2019). What is curriculum theory? 3rd edition. New York: Routledge

Available as ebook or paperback

Other readings will be assigned, and  will be available through the SFU Library electronic journals/ ebooks, or as distributed in class.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Flinders, David, J., & Thornton, Stephen, J. (2017) The curriculum studies reader. 5th edition. New York: Routledge

 

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 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).