Literacy, Power and Learning (EDUC20081)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | July |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will explore the nexus between literacy, power and learning through a study of ways in which literacy education can empower individuals and groups and facilitate positive social change. The educational and societal significance of multi-modal literacies will be investigated, drawing on current institutional practices and historical examples. The influence of the socio-cultural context in developing literacy capabilities will be examined, along with relevant theoretical frameworks of teaching and learning, including the discourses of Critical Pedagogy. This subject will explore the reading, writing and speaking pedagogical practices that are mobilised to facilitate social change.
As texts represent the dynamic between literacy and power, the social control of texts through means such as censorship, propaganda and the selection of curriculum material in primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions will be examined. Investigation of the relationship between power, social control of access to education and the development of literacy competency will be underpinned by the conception of literacy as a social practice. The notion of ‘dangerous’ reading, ‘dangerous’ writing and ‘dangerous’ speaking will be explored through critical engagement with a range of text types, including written, visual and oral material.
Key questions students will explore in the course will include:
How is literacy enabled or controlled by societies and cultures?
How does literacy empower and shape you as a learner?
What kinds of literacies are needed to access the power of learning in contemporary society?
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Understand the concept of multiple literacies in contemporary education and cultures
- Understand the importance of multiple perspectives and evidence in the interpretation of texts
- Analyse a range of contemporary and historical text types including written, visual, oral and digital media
- Understand the connections between contemporary literacy practices, education and the cultural negotiation of power
- Apply this knowledge to their own multi-disciplinary learning
Generic skills
This subject will assist students to develop the following set of transferable skills:
- problem-solving and analysis
- critical thinking
- advanced written and oral communication
- understanding of real world application of theoretical concepts
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An analysis of a multi-modal text
| End of the teaching period | 50% |
Assignment on the educational significance of multiple literacies in multi-cultural learning contexts
| 13 Weeks after the end of teaching | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: Minimum of 80% attendance at all scheduled lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- July
Coordinator Mahtab Janfada Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours across 5 days Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 15 July 2024 to 19 July 2024 Last self-enrol date 16 July 2024 Census date 9 August 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 13 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 October 2024 July contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Bachelor of Arts Minor Knowledge and Learning minor Breadth Track Knowing and Learning - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025