Foundations: Policy and Social Change (EDUC91321)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Jason Beech: jason.beech@unimelb.edu.au and Jessica Gerrard: jessica.gerrard@unimelb.edu.au
Semester 2
Jason Beech: jason.beech@unimelb.edu.au and Jessica Gerrard: jessica.gerrard@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
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At a time of growing global inequities and environmental crises, this subject inquires into the role of education and education policy in a range of sectors in contributing to needed social change. The subject will introduce students to key debates on the purposes of education, the roles of policy, and the politics of education. It will also give students the opportunity to understand how policy agendas are decided upon, who counts as policy leaders and policy actors, including non-state actors. Students will critically examine and consider possible actions for education policies to address equity and sustainability, including on issues of gender and sexuality, racialisation, Indigenous knowledges, and sustainability and climate change.
For Master of Education students, this subject provides preparation for the Equity and Social Change, and Education Policy and Governance specialisations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Critically reflect on the role of policy in enacting educational and social change for equity, justice and sustainability
- Analyse global and local policy trends that shape educational practices across a range of settings
- Explore varied approaches to promote social change through education policies and practices for a more equitable and sustainable future
- Design theoretical and research-informed approaches to education policy that address equity and/or sustainability
- Develop a professional vision that connects education policy to social change in educational contexts.
Generic skills
This subject will assist students to develop the following transferable skills:
- Active and participatory citizenship
- Critical reasoning and thinking
- Evidence based decision making
- Self-reflection, career awareness and lifelong learning.
Last updated: 4 March 2025