Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The justification and practise of law-related education in the K-12 curriculum are the subjects of this methodology course. Students will examine the place of law in the curriculum, existing resources and appropriate teaching strategies and will have the opportunity to develop unit plans and curriculum materials. Emphasis is on developing and implementing law-related programs in the classroom.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is based on the belief that teaching justice, law, and citizenship is foundational and empowering for students. By including Law Related Education (LRE) practices in any content area classroom, teachers can build students’ agency and readiness for participating in civic community both inside and outside of school. This methods and strategies-based course combines culturally responsive teaching practices and a focus on social and restorative justice to give new and already practicing teachers tools to engage and empower their students. Critical to this course is that students both learn about and experience first-hand the instructional methods and strategies they will use with their own students.

The overall focus begins with a foundation of law reflected in the concept map by the central fulcrum of the balance. This is anchored at the base of the map by the foundational learning outcomes for teachers. This learning provides the foundation for both values (left-hand side of the balance)) and practical teaching methods (right-hand side of the balance).

 The idea underpinning this course is that students will move through three areas of learning:

1. broad understanding of basic legal themes and issues
2. practical application of those legal themes and concepts to classroom teaching
3. participatory practices that empower student voice and build student engagement

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Understand and explain basic legal rights and responsibilities under Canadian law;
2. Connect those rights and responsibilities to the practice of justice and civic engagement; and
3. Implement LRE knowledge and practices into any classroom to enhance both course content & the hidden curriculum of community

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: