Educational Studies
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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.
| Undergraduate Year | Description |
|---|---|
|
Year 1 |
a course for which you do not need any previous experience |
| Year 2 |
assumes that you have had some experience |
| Year 3 |
assumes a specialist knowledge of the |
Year 1
ED51006A
Culture and Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the key concepts of culture and identify their relationship to spheres of influence in contemporary society, such as schooling, the law and the media.
Culture and Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the key concepts of culture and identify their relationship to spheres of influence in contemporary society, such as schooling, the law and the media.
ED51007A
The Curriculum: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You examine how the curriculum is a means to educating the type of person society deems desirable. It explores how this has changed over time and how it varies in different societies today. The philosophical issues underpinning these differences are explored. You are encouraged to reflect on what education is and what it means to be educated in a democratic society.
The Curriculum: Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You examine how the curriculum is a means to educating the type of person society deems desirable. It explores how this has changed over time and how it varies in different societies today. The philosophical issues underpinning these differences are explored. You are encouraged to reflect on what education is and what it means to be educated in a democratic society.
ED51008B
Learning and Thinking
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the central concepts of learning and thinking and the ways these have been constructed historically, geographically and culturally. You are also introduced to theories of learning which encompass an introduction to the key debates around cognition.
Learning and Thinking
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the central concepts of learning and thinking and the ways these have been constructed historically, geographically and culturally. You are also introduced to theories of learning which encompass an introduction to the key debates around cognition.
Year 2
ED52021A
Knowledge and Power
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore and locate education within the wider socio-political structure of different societies by studying educational theories and the thinking of key theorists. You explore the impact educational theory has on current government education policy in the UK. The course examines issues and tensions in implementing policy with reference to cultural and societal influences.
Knowledge and Power
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore and locate education within the wider socio-political structure of different societies by studying educational theories and the thinking of key theorists. You explore the impact educational theory has on current government education policy in the UK. The course examines issues and tensions in implementing policy with reference to cultural and societal influences.
ED52022A
Visual Arts Practice in Education and Community Settings
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You combine theoretical perspectives on creativity, learning, and art and design processes in education with extended opportunities for personal and practical creative work. Through a series of practical workshops you are challenged to develop your own artistic skills and subject knowledge and understanding of visual art, and to reflect on traditional and developing practice in education. You engage in work which explores a variety of materials, processes and ideas central to the visual arts curriculum. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas and undertake self-directed artwork. You are also encouraged to develop pedagogical knowledge, reflecting on how art activities might be planned, resourced and taught or facilitated.
Visual Arts Practice in Education and Community Settings
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You combine theoretical perspectives on creativity, learning, and art and design processes in education with extended opportunities for personal and practical creative work. Through a series of practical workshops you are challenged to develop your own artistic skills and subject knowledge and understanding of visual art, and to reflect on traditional and developing practice in education. You engage in work which explores a variety of materials, processes and ideas central to the visual arts curriculum. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas and undertake self-directed artwork. You are also encouraged to develop pedagogical knowledge, reflecting on how art activities might be planned, resourced and taught or facilitated.
ED52023A
Language and Literacy in the Early Years
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and 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.
Language and Literacy in the Early Years
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and 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.
ED52024A
Early Childhood in a Diverse Society
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore current ideas and contrasting theoretical approaches as well as policy developments affecting young children and their families. You examine different aspects of young children’s learning. There is a focus on children’s personal, social and emotional learning, as well as on cultural and linguistic development and the role of play in their learning. You also have an opportunity to become more familiar with different approaches to curriculum and policy, and to explore the legacy of different traditions and approaches to young children and learning in the UK and beyond.
Early Childhood in a Diverse Society
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore current ideas and contrasting theoretical approaches as well as policy developments affecting young children and their families. You examine different aspects of young children’s learning. There is a focus on children’s personal, social and emotional learning, as well as on cultural and linguistic development and the role of play in their learning. You also have an opportunity to become more familiar with different approaches to curriculum and policy, and to explore the legacy of different traditions and approaches to young children and learning in the UK and beyond.
ED52025A
Culture and the Construction of Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and 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.
Culture and the Construction of Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and 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.
ED52026A
New Media Technologies and Learning
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You study how movies are made, focusing on all the different aspects which combine to create the viewer’s experience. You spend time working in a group to create and edit a short moving image and study some theoretical aspects of film making. Elements related to a variety of contemporary media and creativity are studied, as well as educational aspects of these.
New Media Technologies and Learning
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You study how movies are made, focusing on all the different aspects which combine to create the viewer’s experience. You spend time working in a group to create and edit a short moving image and study some theoretical aspects of film making. Elements related to a variety of contemporary media and creativity are studied, as well as educational aspects of these.
ED52027A
Performing Arts in the Community
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the Performing Arts in relation to both the plastic arts (eg sculpture, painting and writing) and issues of x, community and identity. The course examines the complex and contested terms ‘performance’ and ‘community’ across a range of disciplines within the social sciences and the arts. You examine the influence of the performing arts on everyday life. The course takes a broad view of the performing arts but concentrates on theatre, music and dance. This includes an overview of the history of performance and an examination of the main theories of 20th-century drama practitioners. You consider the relationship between performance and play and ritual, and its potential for subversion and creating alternative viewpoints.
Performing Arts in the Community
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the Performing Arts in relation to both the plastic arts (eg sculpture, painting and writing) and issues of x, community and identity. The course examines the complex and contested terms ‘performance’ and ‘community’ across a range of disciplines within the social sciences and the arts. You examine the influence of the performing arts on everyday life. The course takes a broad view of the performing arts but concentrates on theatre, music and dance. This includes an overview of the history of performance and an examination of the main theories of 20th-century drama practitioners. You consider the relationship between performance and play and ritual, and its potential for subversion and creating alternative viewpoints.
ED52031A
Introduction to Teaching English as Foreign Language to Adults
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the theoretical background to Second Language Learning with particular reference to English. You develop an overview of how language operates, and of learning and teaching theory and how it is related to the classroom, with particular reference to communicative and post-communicative approaches to teaching.
Introduction to Teaching English as Foreign Language to Adults
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You are introduced to the theoretical background to Second Language Learning with particular reference to English. You develop an overview of how language operates, and of learning and teaching theory and how it is related to the classroom, with particular reference to communicative and post-communicative approaches to teaching.
ED52034A
Studies in Exclusion and Inclusion
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
This course takes a case study approach to key theoretical ideas in inclusion and exclusion, with a focus on the experiences of young people. You explore the context of inclusion and exclusion in relation to issues such as people who are refugees and asylum seekers; those concerned with faith and religion; language and plurilingualism; gender and sexuality and Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. The course includes opportunities for discussions with people working in some of these areas.
Studies in Exclusion and Inclusion
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
This course takes a case study approach to key theoretical ideas in inclusion and exclusion, with a focus on the experiences of young people. You explore the context of inclusion and exclusion in relation to issues such as people who are refugees and asylum seekers; those concerned with faith and religion; language and plurilingualism; gender and sexuality and Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. The course includes opportunities for discussions with people working in some of these areas.
Year 3
ED53019A
Digital Media Cultures
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You consider the issues raised in the previous course-unit New Media Technologies and Learning at a higher level. This involves engaging with concepts from a wide range of disciplines. There is an examination of literature around media output and multi-modal discourse. The current discourse around creativity and new technology is described and explored within the context of digital media. The manner in which new media texts may have the potential to address differing learning styles in different educational contexts is considered. This is considered in relation to creativity as an aspect of human activity and cognition. In turn, this argument is developed in the light of work on social psychology, communities of practice, culture and identity.
Digital Media Cultures
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You consider the issues raised in the previous course-unit New Media Technologies and Learning at a higher level. This involves engaging with concepts from a wide range of disciplines. There is an examination of literature around media output and multi-modal discourse. The current discourse around creativity and new technology is described and explored within the context of digital media. The manner in which new media texts may have the potential to address differing learning styles in different educational contexts is considered. This is considered in relation to creativity as an aspect of human activity and cognition. In turn, this argument is developed in the light of work on social psychology, communities of practice, culture and identity.
ED53020B
Perspectives on Current Educational Policy
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will explore issues that have been touched on in previous modules such as consumer choice in education and the involvement of the private sector. Taking the 1988 Education Reform Act as a starting point, the course will examine policies that reflect particular dominant discourses which have been taken up by people in contested and contradictory ways. Typical areas of focus will be educational leadership, initial teacher education, school choice, the teaching of creationism in science, and special educational needs. These will be in the English context but will include some international comparative perspectives.
Perspectives on Current Educational Policy
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will explore issues that have been touched on in previous modules such as consumer choice in education and the involvement of the private sector. Taking the 1988 Education Reform Act as a starting point, the course will examine policies that reflect particular dominant discourses which have been taken up by people in contested and contradictory ways. Typical areas of focus will be educational leadership, initial teacher education, school choice, the teaching of creationism in science, and special educational needs. These will be in the English context but will include some international comparative perspectives.
ED53021A
Language, Power and Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will examine in depth the relationship between language, culture and identity. You develop a critical understanding of the influence that shapes our sense of self and particularly the pivotal role of language in constructing identities and determining potential opportunities and constraints. You have the opportunity to consider the nature of language; language development; home and community practices; standard english/accent/dialect; school practice; language and gender; bilingualism and bi-literacy and the representations of these through a range of media and policy issues.
Language, Power and Identity
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will examine in depth the relationship between language, culture and identity. You develop a critical understanding of the influence that shapes our sense of self and particularly the pivotal role of language in constructing identities and determining potential opportunities and constraints. You have the opportunity to consider the nature of language; language development; home and community practices; standard english/accent/dialect; school practice; language and gender; bilingualism and bi-literacy and the representations of these through a range of media and policy issues.
ED53023A
International Perspectives on Early Childhood
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the developing range of provision for under-eights, and the divergence in provision between the regions of the United Kingdom. The course will also explore the different curriculum approaches and types of provision for under-eights in Europe, Scandinavia, New Zealand and North America. The course will evaluate critically the reliability, validity and significance of instruments designed as measures of quality in international studies of early childhood services. You will be able to reflect on the impact of theory and practice on the provision of services for under-eight’s in a range of contexts, and able to make an informed argument for a set of guiding principles for provision for under-eights in one country within or outside the UK.
International Perspectives on Early Childhood
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the developing range of provision for under-eights, and the divergence in provision between the regions of the United Kingdom. The course will also explore the different curriculum approaches and types of provision for under-eights in Europe, Scandinavia, New Zealand and North America. The course will evaluate critically the reliability, validity and significance of instruments designed as measures of quality in international studies of early childhood services. You will be able to reflect on the impact of theory and practice on the provision of services for under-eight’s in a range of contexts, and able to make an informed argument for a set of guiding principles for provision for under-eights in one country within or outside the UK.
ED53024A
Studio Practice: Visual Arts
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will experience sustained practice in art production in an agreed area of personal interest. Through first-hand experience you will develop your own practice within the social context of studio working. Seminar explorations of critical theory will inform the interpretations undertaken
Studio Practice: Visual Arts
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will experience sustained practice in art production in an agreed area of personal interest. Through first-hand experience you will develop your own practice within the social context of studio working. Seminar explorations of critical theory will inform the interpretations undertaken
ED53026A
Education and Empowerment: Creating Change
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will examine both macro and micro level policies and practices that can lead to educational empowerment. The main areas of focus will be the ‘funds of knowledge’ that are engendered by the family and its role in supporting learners; education in citizenship and social justice which has brought awareness of rights (and responsibilities) and the complexities of concepts such as identity, community and belonging. Initiatives such as restorative justice in schools will also be examined and the encouragement of pupil voice that can be utilised to facilitate access and engagement with education.
Education and Empowerment: Creating Change
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You will examine both macro and micro level policies and practices that can lead to educational empowerment. The main areas of focus will be the ‘funds of knowledge’ that are engendered by the family and its role in supporting learners; education in citizenship and social justice which has brought awareness of rights (and responsibilities) and the complexities of concepts such as identity, community and belonging. Initiatives such as restorative justice in schools will also be examined and the encouragement of pupil voice that can be utilised to facilitate access and engagement with education.
ED53028A
Remaking Education in Europe
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the education policy of the European Union and other transnational organisations, and compare patterns of educational provision in different countries, including England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy: is education in these countries increasingly coming to follow a common model, or are national differences still important? You explore the relationship between education and economic and social change, and consider the impact of various forms of privatisation on national education systems, the conflicts surrounding the implementation of new models of policy, and the positions taken by ‘social actors’ such as student and youth movements, and educational trade unions.
Remaking Education in Europe
(4 credits, Autumn; 8 credits, Autumn and Spring; )
You explore the education policy of the European Union and other transnational organisations, and compare patterns of educational provision in different countries, including England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy: is education in these countries increasingly coming to follow a common model, or are national differences still important? You explore the relationship between education and economic and social change, and consider the impact of various forms of privatisation on national education systems, the conflicts surrounding the implementation of new models of policy, and the positions taken by ‘social actors’ such as student and youth movements, and educational trade unions.
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