Curriculum: An Australian Perspective

Subject EDUC90609 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Dr Peter Ferguson

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview:

This unit is designed as a broad introduction to curriculum and its history. The focus is on general level curriculum definitions, theory and principles and the Australian context. The unit will explore changes in curriculum priorities and design over recent decades and consider the historical, social, political and research related pressures and influences prompting and informing changes. Students will critically analyse various curriculum patterns and trends to gain better understanding of the dynamic interaction of factors that influences curriculum prioritisation and evolution.

Topics will include;

  • Curriculum orientations and definitions
  • Design principles
  • General curriculum influences and shifts over recent decades – with consideration of Australian curriculum history specifically.
  • Contemporary curriculum influences and trends.
Objectives:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of different curriculum definitions and orientations and the underlying educational implications within each.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of influences that shape curriculum within specific socio-political contexts.
Assessment:

There are 2 assessment tasks

A: 2,000 words written assignment. Students are to consider various curriculum definitions and orientations and through a reflective piece, drawing on their own past and practice, explain their perspective of curriculum. Due mid semester 40 per cent

B: 3,000 words written assignment. Students will identify one major curriculum shift and analyse the various intellectual, social and political issues that influenced its development and curriculum representation. Due at the end of semester 60 per cent
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Analytic skills;
  • Written communication skills.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)

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