WON FRASER UNIVERSITY #

Spring Semester 1998

EDUC 471 -4

Curriculum Development: ?

Dr. P. Grimmett

Theory and Practice ?

Office: MPX 8662

Tel: ?

291-4937

E01.00

?

E-mail: grirnmett©sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE

60 credit hours

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine the theoretical underpinnings of various approaches to curriculum development.

Beginning with Eisner and Valiance's characterization of conflicting conceptions of curriculum, the course will

look at three broad approaches to curriculum development. Each of these approaches will be considered according

to how it conceives of the following aspects of curriculum:

a)

constitutive elements of a curriculum

b)

psychological bases for curriculum development

C) ?

social and cultural forces affecting curriculum development

d)

role of subject-matter in curriculum development

e)

curriculum decision-making and organizing learning experiences

f)

curriculum implementation and evaluation

g)

curriculum leadership and teachers

Instruction in the course will work towards the following three purposes: 1) to expose participants thoroughly to the

literature in this field of study, 2) to provide opportunities for participants to grasp the substantive ideas with

confidence, accuracy, and appropriate use of analytical language, and 3) to engender in participants the ability to

make sense of competing theoretical claims, to evaluate conflicting evidence, and to understand the relationship

between research findings and practical application.

EXPECTATIONS

Participants are expected to attend all seminars and keep a journal throughout the course. In addition, participants

are expected vigorously to take part in small and large group discussions around topics and issues deriving from the

extensive readings. Exercises will be used to frame these discussion activities and participants will be expected to

have studied assiduously the relevant readings before the seminar.

READINGS

Boomer, G., Lester, H., Onore, C., & Cook, J. (1992) Negotiating the curriculum: Educating for the

21st centur y . London, UK: The Falmer Press.

Grundy, S. (1987). Curriculum: Product or praxis? London, UK: The Palmer Press.

Miller, J.P., & Seller, W. (1990). Curriculum: Perspectives and practice. Toronto: Copp Clark Pitman Ltd.