Curriculum: An Australian Perspective

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

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.

• 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.

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Analytic skills;
• Written communication skills.