This course examines conceptions of equality and equity related to educational policies and practices. The themes of the course include:
- Perspectives on equality, justice and education, in the context of globalization and social change
- Topical issues and dilemmas regarding social justice in education and education for social justice today
- Examples of empirical studies related to equity, social justice, education and social change.
The course combines lectures with seminars that run parallel with the lectures. The seminars engage students in workshops, group work, exercises and oral presentations.
Mandatory activities:
- Minimum 60% attendance is required for the seminars.
- Oral presentation, individually or in groups, related to relevant media reports and literature on the syllabus.
Mandatory activities must be completed and approved before you can take the exam.
Attendance
There is a requirement to attend at least 60 % of the seminars. Attendance is required to make sure that you are participating in and contributing to the vital academic activities and discussions at the seminars. It is required that you turn on your camera in Zoom. We will use a screenshot of all attendee as evidence for attendance.
The attendance must be approved before you can take the exam.
Oral presentation
Everyone must read critically all the required readings. A critical reading does not only focus on what is in a text. It is also concerned with how the text is written and why it is written in a certain way. Do NOT simply summarize the reading.
However, to enhance the understanding of the specific issues dealt with by these readings, each of the readings is assigned to an individual student who is supposed to lead a 20-minute discussion on it. You will find a list of reading assigned to individual students and date for discussion on Canvas.
Each discussion should address the following questions:
- What does the article show or argue? What evidence does it draw on?
- What are the key concepts used? How does the author use these?
- What assumptions can be identified? Do you agree or disagree with the author?
- What implications may this text have for our understanding of social equity and justice in education and/or education for such purposes?
- Do you see any weaknesses in this reading?
Your presentation must be completed and approved before you can take the exam.