Students

EDCN812 – Curriculum Studies

2016 – S2 Evening

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Norman McCulla
norman.mcculla@mq.edu.au
Greg Robertson
greg.robertson@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MA in Education Studies or MEChild or PGDipEChild or PGCertEChild or MEd or MEdLead or PGDipEdLead or PGCertEdLead or PGDipEdS or PGCertEdS or MHEd or PGDipHEd or PGCertHEd or MSpecEd or PGDipSpecEd or PGCertSpEd or MTeach(Birth to Five Years) or GradCertEdS or GradCertHEd or MIndigenousEd or PGDipIndigenousEd or PGCertIndigenousEd or GradDipIndigenousEd or GradDipChildLit or MChildLit
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides both an introduction to the formal study of curriculum as well as an opportunity to undertake a more in-depth and specialised study of an area of curriculum interest. The nature of curriculum is explored from national and international perspectives. Curriculum design, implementation and change are considered from both theoretical and practical orientations with a focus on contemporary curriculum in the workplace and/or jurisdiction of the participant’s choice.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Seminars & Learning Activities 30% Fortnightly
Reflective Journals 30% 2 October; 11 November
Major Assessment Task 40% 23 October

Seminars & Learning Activities

Due: Fortnightly
Weighting: 30%

Your participation in all  seminars, including written learning activities submitted as part of the discussions, and collaboration with other students in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction

Reflective Journals

Due: 2 October; 11 November
Weighting: 30%

Written critical reflection  as a point of closure for each module by providing an opportunity for you to bring your thoughts together on the issue in a scholarly way. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Major Assessment Task

Due: 23 October
Weighting: 40%

The major assessment task enables you to investigate an area of personal interest and/or professional need in greater depth than is possible in the one module. Being able to define and articulate an area of curriculum inquiry is an important way of demonstrating how well you have understood the scope and learning outcomes of the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Delivery and Resources

Core Texts

  • Brady, L. and Kennedy, K. (2013). Curriculum Construction. Frenchs Forest, Sydney. Pearson. (Fifth or any later edition)
  • Smith, D. and Lovat, T. (2003). Curriculum- Action on Reflection. Tuggerah. Social Science Press. (Fourth Edition)

Unit Schedule

Week beginning

Wk

Module

On-campus Evening Sessions

Learning Activities

Assessment Task

1 August

1

1

Seminar 1 Orientation Getting to Know You 4 August 5-7pm

E6A116

LA1

Seminar 1:

Attendance at this on-campus orientation session is  recommended but voluntary for  External students able to come..

8 August

2

1

      

15 August

3

2

Seminar 2

18 Aug

LA2

-

22 August

4

2

-

  

-

29 August

5

3

Seminar 3

1 Sept

LA3

-

5 September

6

3

-

  

-

12September

7

4

Seminar 4

15 Sept

LA4

Topic of Major Assignment finalised in consultation with Unit Convenor by Friday 16 September at the latest

19 September

8

4

(Mid-semester Break)

-

.

26 September

9

5

(Mid-semester Break)

-

Critical Reflection

Assignment (A)

(Modules 2-4).

Due Sunday 2 October

3 October

10

5

  

LA5

 

10 October

11

6

Seminar 5

13 October

-

-

17 October

12

6

-

LA6

Major Assessment Task

Due

Sunday 23 October

24 October

13

7

Seminar 6

27 October

-

  

31 October

14

7

-

LA7

  

 7 November

15

-

Seminar 7

if required

10 November

-

Critical Reflection

Assignment (B)

(Modules 5-7)

Due Friday 11 November

Learning and Teaching Activities

Learning Modules

Full details are provided in the complete Unit Guide available on the unit's iLearn website and in the seven learning Modules that comprise the Unit.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminars & Learning Activities
  • Major Assessment Task

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminars & Learning Activities
  • Reflective Journals
  • Major Assessment Task

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journals
  • Major Assessment Task

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field

Assessment tasks

  • Reflective Journals
  • Major Assessment Task

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction
  • 4. Demonstrate a capacity to apply these understandings to their own school/workplace/organisation and/or educational jurisdiction, and to the analysis of current state, national and international trends in curriculum.

Assessment tasks

  • Seminars & Learning Activities
  • Reflective Journals
  • Major Assessment Task

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic importance of the curriculum field
  • 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the breadth of the curriculum field
  • 3. Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum priorities, change processes and preferred curriculum futures in an educational jurisdiction

Assessment tasks

  • Seminars & Learning Activities
  • Reflective Journals
  • Major Assessment Task

Changes from Previous Offering

The unit content has been updated based on recent changes to Australian and international curricula.