Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EDUC 823 G031

Curriculum and Instruction in an Individual Teaching Speciality (5)

Class Number: 4306

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An intensive examination of developments in a curriculum area selected by the student. In addition the course will deal with major philosophical and historical factors that influence the present state and future directions of curriculum and instruction.

COURSE DETAILS:

Meeting Dates:
Sept 11/12, 25/26
Oct 16/17, 23/24
Nov 13/14, 27/28

Meeting Times:
Fridays: 4:30 – 9:30 (4:30 soft start; formal 4:45)
Saturdays: 9:00 – 3:00

Course Overview

The course begins by exploring key philosophical, historical, and developmental influences in the field of curriculum and instruction. Selected readings aim to highlight the persistent conflicts that underlie claims about the purpose of education and, thus, the most appropriate forms of education. Students will be encouraged to investigate these different perspectives and the educational issues they provoke in relation to their own educational practice or teaching specialty and with reference to the B.C. curriculum. The course then focuses on distinctive features of Imaginative Education (IE) and Imaginative Ecological Education (IEE) pedagogies. Students will explore theoretical and practical implications of IE/IEE in general and in relation to their teaching areas specifically.

 

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students will explore important philosophical, historical, and developmental influences on curriculum and instruction, and gain detailed knowledge of Imaginative Education (IE) and Imaginative Ecological Education (IEE) in theory and in practice.

Grading

  • In-class collaborative work 20%
  • Short analytical paper 20%
  • Kinds of Understanding seminar and reflective writing 20%
  • Place-based self study 20%
  • I(E)E Teaching Planning/Implementation/Reflection 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Egan, K. (1997). The educated mind: How cognitive tools shape our understanding. University of Chicago Press: Chicago. (*Online access through SFU library)


ISBN: 0-226-19039-0

Egan, K. & Judson, G. (2015) Imagination and the engaged learner: Cognitive tools for the classroom. (New York: Teachers College Press) (*Online access through SFU library)


ISBN: 978-0-8077-5712-3

Judson, G. (2015) A walking curriculum: Evoking wonder and developing sense of place (K-12). KPD. (*ebook available amazon.ca for $5)


ISBN: 978-1-9735-4064-9

Other options: Texts will be on RESERVE for short-term loan at the SFU Surrey library. Texts are available for purchase from online vendors.


+ a list of required articles accessible through SFU library will be provided in the first class.

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.