Educational Studies
The Department of Educational Studies is one of the largest in the College and plays a major part in life at Goldsmiths. The preparation of teachers is central to the origins and early history of Goldsmiths and the Department proudly continues this tradition. However, 'education' is about so much more than teacher education, and the Department’s portfolio of courses, from undergraduate through to doctoral level reflects this. The size of the Department has enabled a team of staff to be assembled, which is diverse in both its areas of expertise and its research interests, and a significant number have international reputations in their fields.
Goldsmiths' commitment to engagement with its wider community is reflected in individual members of staff’s involvement with creative and social projects beyond the lecture and seminar rooms.
Level II
Language and Literacy in the Early Years
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You consider how young children's language develops in a range of contexts, and examine literacy as a socially constructed phenomenon. You have the opportunity to consider how theoretical understandings of language and literacy development have influenced educational policy. This is achieved through an examination and exploration of language, language diversity; texts, literacy and learning and educational policy developments.
Culture and the Construction of Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You are given the opportunity to examine a range of theories on culture and identity drawn from a range of disciplines. The particular focus of this course is the use of autobiography and life histories as methods for exploring cultures and identities. The aim of doing this is to provide you with the theoretical lens through which to investigate complex issues – such as diaspora, syncretism, masculinities and femininities – which are central to the notions of culture and identity. The process of identity construction is explored in relation to education policy and practice, and the course also addresses the interrelationship between the child’s identity and the culture of the school.
New Media Technologies and Learning
(4 credits, Autumn; 4 credits, Spring; )
You consider the permeation of New Media Technologies in a range of educational contexts encompassing settings within school and out of school, both formally and informally constructed. You engage critically with recent debates about pedagogy and new technology inside and outside formal educational structures. The course considers the potential for new technology to contribute to the learning and assessment process. You are encouraged to create an electronic portfolio or online reflective account, which demonstrates your understanding of the nature of learning with IT tools and resources. The concept of what it means to be ‘information literate’ will be examined in the context of the permeation of new media technologies in all aspects of life. Assessment: multimedia presentation.