MON FRASER UNIVERSITY

Intersession 2001

EDUC 471 -4

Kathleen Barnard

Curriculum Development:

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Office: TBA

Theory and Practice

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Phone: 291-3395

Tuesday & Thursday 8:30-12:20 in EDB 7500B

D01.00 ?

E-mail: kathleen_barnard©sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE

60 credit hours

COURSE DESCRIPTION

It has been said that all teachers teach from theory whether we realise it or not. Likewise, all

curriculum is underpinned by a variety of foundational assumptions. However, without awareness

of these theories and assumptions, we are less able to make wise decisions regarding either the

various packaged theories and curricula advocated by one agency or another among which we may

be required to choose, or the development of new curricula. In this course, we will explore several

approaches to curriculum development, paying particular attention to our own frameworks of

understanding both curriculum and the various approaches to developing curriculum, and to the

assumptions underpinning existing curricula.

OBJECTIVES

• to clarify the concept 'curriculum'

• to develop the capacity for reflexive inquiry regarding curriculum

• to identify various approaches to curriculum

• to begin to develop the skills necessary both to assess existing curricula, and to develop new

curricula

• to engage in constructive small and large group dialogues regarding contemporary issues

in curriculum development

EVALUATION

Assessment will be based on weekly written assignments, a major paper, and a small group

presentation.

** Please note, there is no final examination for this course.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Kohl, Herbert. (1994).

"1 won't learn from

you "

: And other thoughts on creative maladjustment. NY: The

New Press. ISBN 1-56584-096-8.

Kozol, Jonathan. (2001).

Ordinary Resurrections: Children in the years of hope. NY:

Crown Publishers.

ISBN 0-517-70000-X.

Additional readings may be recommended /provided by the instructor