Education

This course examines the main theoretical approaches and discussions of the sociology of the educational system. It analyzes the main indicators and educational data for Spain and other countries. This course looks at educational policies and the assessment of the education system. It explores the relationship between social structure, economy, culture, and the educational system. Topics include: education as a socialization process; the social functions of the school; origins and evolution of the Spanish educational system; the provision of education and educational policies; reform and innovation in teaching; factors affecting education-- processes and education results, international assessments of educational performance and international studies on education, education and inequality, and education and employment in Spain; evaluation of the Spanish educational system-- main problems and major challenges; case studies of educational systems in advanced societies and in Latin America.

This course offers a study of the sociology of education including the educational system, family and school, knowledge society, and education and employment.

The course explores the purposes, substantive issues, and content of the primary social studies curriculum. It further examines innovative approaches to designing and implementing social studies curricula for primary schools.

This course provides an opportunity to apply the skills students acquire through their academic study to a project designed by a local company or community group in New Zealand, or internationally.

This course helps students consider the various international perspectives to be incorporated in the field of education. Examining literature and case studies, it attempts to tackle imminent issues such as poverty, demographic change, environment, war, and gender imbalance in the globalizing world. The course provides the opportunity to propose a plan for incorporating international perspectives to a country's education system using collaborative online international learning (COIL) as one of the formats.  

The course addresses the following topics: 

- Education as a means of national development
- Internationalization of education
- Literacy
- Gender equality
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Environmental education
- Intercultural competence
- Multicultural education
- ICT and education
- Collaborative online international learning (COIL)
- Education and development
- Education and peace

This course examines the trends, issues and opportunities of both local and international curricula in Social Science and Humanities Education. Contemporary learning models are introduced to pave the way for developing in-depth understanding of effective
pedagogies used inside and outside classroom. Attention will also be paid upon the discussion of using social resources to facilitate authentic and experiential learning. Key principles and measures in handling social controversial issues will be examined and elaborated. The ethics and responsibilities that Social Science and Humanities Education should shoulder will be discussed.

Gain insight into a variety of approaches to ensuring that children grow up healthy and with opportunities to become contributing members of society. The historical roots, current issues, and future challenges related to children’s well-being are addressed in this course by covering a broad spectrum of related topics, including family life, the influence of the turbulent 20th century on youth and education, regional and national differences in educational systems, preventive youth health care, public policy on social services and divorce support, parental leave, and daycare provision. Students also learn about alternative educational approaches, such as those developed by Maria Montessori, Rudolf Steiner, Célestin Freinet, and A. S. Neill. The course includes guest speakers and incorporates guest talks and site visits to relevant museums/exhibitions.

This course offers various perspectives on how to implement inclusive education in pre-school, school, and other relevant settings. Topics include: resource-based communication and mediation; strategies for early intervention; inclusion in pre-school and school; development of individual education plans; and structuring flexible curricula. The course develops skills in educational differentiation and in planning, implementing, assessing, and revising individual learning processes in group and class relations.