Framing Education for Sustainability

Subject EDUC90624 (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: Four Saturday intensives during semester, it will involve an overnight field study to the Ballarat area
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

Ms Jeana Kriewaldt

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: This subject is designed to provide an overview of three major perspectives on Education for Sustainability through an in depth consideration of its historical origins, disciplinary foci and contemporary expression as an interdisciplinary approach that explores the four interrelated pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, social and political — and their connection to education. Relationships and dissonances between the three frames will be explored. Climate change and water will be used a major case study to explore how these frames drive programs. A range of scales are examined with the major emphasis on an international orientation.
Objectives: On completion of this subject students will be able to:
  • Identify and examine contemporary themes and debates within education for sustainability as they relate to an international setting;
  • Critically analyse their own values, attitudes and beliefs about the four interrelated pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, social and political — and their connection to education;
  • Identify ways in which sustainability can be integrated across the curriculum in schools;
  • Evaluate education for sustainability policy;
  • Critically analyse a sustainability education program.
Assessment: There will be three assessment tasks for this subject:
1) Review of readings via on-line discussion board (20%); 1000 word equivalent. Due: ongoing throughout the semester.
Evaluation of an education for sustainability policy 1500 words or equivalent.30% of total assessment.
2) This is an individual task, due after the mid-semester break.
3) A major project – Critical analysis of an existing education program which has a sustainability focus. 2500 words or equivalent. 50% of total assessment.
This may be an individual or group task, due at the end of semester. If students take up the option of working in a group the word limit will be modified in line with the number of participants working in the group. A common mark will be given.
Prescribed Texts: Sterling, S. R., & Schumacher Society (Great Britain). (2001). Sustainable education: re-visioning learning and change. Totnes: Green Books for The Schumacher Society.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, students will have the knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to:

  • Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
  • Demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing, common research activities, problem solving and communication;
  • Be skilled communicators who can effectively articulate and justify their beliefs and practices as knowledgeable agents of changes;
  • Work in teams with skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation;
  • Capably synthesise personal experience with research evidence and critical analysis into other contexts.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)
Master of Environment
Master of Environment
Postgraduate Certificate in Environment
Postgraduate Diploma in Environment

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