Socio-Cultural Contexts for Education

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study.

This module explores the relationship between context and education through a range of sociological perspectives. Drawing on key theoretical frameworks, students will develop an appreciation of the role of society and culture in understanding education systems and the nature of learning. Students will also be introduced to broader contextual issues such as globalisation in preparation for comparative enquiry.

This module relates predominately, although not exclusively, to the course strand contexts for education and learning (CEL).

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 4 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. define the key features of socio cultural studies;
2. demonstrate awareness of the dynamic relationship between society and education with reference to selected theoretical frameworks;
3. identify and comment on relevant social and cultural contextual factors and features that impact upon education;
4. select and synthesise key contextual features to inform the construction of a case study.

This will include:

• An introduction to socio-cultural study;
• Definition of terms: ‘context’, ‘culture’ 'civilization' and ‘society’;
• Identification and analysis of contextual features and their influences on education;
• Understanding the positive and negative impacts of socio-cultural contexts on education;
• Examination of changing cultures and the dynamic nature of society;
• The role of education in shaping culture;
• Evaluating case-studies including investigating personal, local national and international contexts of education and their relationships with society;
• Analysis of key socio-cultural theorists. To include:

- Emile Durkheim

- Pierre Bourdieu

- Roy Dilley

Peer / group learning:

Lectures; discussions; case studies; group and individual presentations; enquiry based learning; poster presentations

Independent learning:

Reading tutor selected distributed texts

Internet searches

Group teaching planning and research

Private study

Rich picture and data analysis

Assessment planning and drafting

Books:

Alexander, R. (ed) (2010) Children, their world, their education, London: Routledge

Arthur, J. & Davies, I. (2010) The Routledge Education Studies Reader, London: Routledge

Arthur, J. & Davies, I. (2010) The Routledge Education Studies Textbook, London: Routledge

Bruner, J. (1996) The Culture of Education, London: Harvard

Crossley, M. & Watson, K.  (2003)   Comparative and international research in education: Globalisation, context and difference,  London: Routledge Falmer

Curtis, W. & Pettigrew, A. (2009) Learning in contemporary culture, Exeter: Learning Matters

Giddens, A.  (2002)  Runaway World: How globalisation is reshaping our lives,  London: Profile Books

Gordon, P. and Gordon P. (2002) A History of Western Educational Ideas, London: Routledge

Hall, K., Murphy, P. & Soler, J. (2008) Pedagogy and Practice: Culture and Identities, London: Sage

Held, D.  (2004)  A globalizing world? Culture, economics, politics,  London & New York: Routledge in assoc. with Open University Press

Lauder, H., Brown, P., Dillabough, J. & Halsey, J. (2006) Education, globalization and social change Oxford: Oxford University Press

Olssen, M. et al  (2004)  Education Policy: Globalisation, Citizenship and Democracy,  London: Sage Publications

Stephens, D.  (2007)  Culture in education and development : principles, practice and policy, Oxford: Symposium Books 

Journals:

British Journal of Educational Studies

British Journal of Sociology of Education

International Journal of Educational Development

Compare

Electronic sources: (All accessed July 2010)

European Commission: Culture http://ec.europa.eu/culture/key-documents/doc537_en.htm

Transnational Broadcasting Studies  www.tbsjournal.com/

UNESCO  www.unesco.org/

Other:

Studentcentral

School home:

School of Education