Socio-Cultural Politics of Education (6889.5)

This unit examines the socio-cultural politics of Australian education. It critiques the ways in which macro social processes and events impact upon and transform education in Australia, and analyses the micro-politics of cultural diversity in the classroom. It engages with contemporary issues and debates that are generated by rapid social change, increasing cultural diversity and all their associated and contested power-relations (focusing on gender and multiculturalism). This analysis of socio-cultural issues provides a springboard from which students can critically evaluate social justice and equity policies, and strategically develop culturally inclusive pedagogical practices.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an increased critical awareness of the political, social and cultural nature of education in Australia;
2. Identify some of the ways in which Australian education is effected by globalization;
3. Engage with current debates around key Australian social issues and issues of cultural difference and relate them to education;
4. Engage in productive dialogue across a diversity of cultural perspectives on education;
5. Use some theoretical tools to analyse socio-cultural issues that impact upon education; and
6. Develop some inclusive strategies for engaging students from Indigenous Australian, NESB and lower socio-economic status backgrounds in education.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

Students must have completed 48 credit points.