This course critically assesses recent cultural and institutional changes in primary, secondary, and tertiary schooling. It involves debating sociological approaches to education with particular attention to the impact of neo-liberalist reforms, emphasising standardized student performance testing. Moreover, it examines the influence of the state and transnational agencies in shaping educational policy. Students will collaborate to develop critical perspectives on literacy and numeracy, youth subcultures within schools, and the challenges facing teachers.
Students will evaluate, justify, and generate arguments throughout the course, consider diverse viewpoints, and propose innovative solutions. They will also engage in debates, construct insightful analyses, and experiment with creative ideas. The course encourages students to reflect on their learning and refine their viewpoints as they investigate educational topics from a comparative perspective but with a particular focus on the Australian context.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- evaluate the leading themes in the research on education as an institutional system, the locus of social inequality, and the socialization process. Assess the role of national and global organizations that regulate the provision of education;
- interpret and critique theoretical concepts that inform the sociological study of formal and informal education;
- construct a written argument that integrates theoretical concepts within the field of sociology of education; and
- develop and conduct a research project that investigates the perspectives of students, teachers, and parents using focus groups or content analysis.
Indicative Assessment
- Research proposal (1000 -1500 words) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research report (1500 -2500 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- 3 Quizzes (3 x 10%, 1 hour duration) (30) [LO 1,2]
- Workshop participation (10) [LO 1,2]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 12 hours of lectures and 24 hours of workshops; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students will complete weekly readings available in Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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