Purposes of Education

Code School Level Credits Semesters
EDUC1022 Education 1 20 Autumn UK
Code
EDUC1022
School
Education
Level
1
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn UK

Summary

This module deals with the most basic, but most important and controversial, question in education 
'What is education for'' and 'who decides'' Education can have many purposes from developing the future 
workforce to promoting a more equal society. However, different objectives may be in tension with each other 
whilst even apparently simple questions are often complex.
What is the 'world of work' that education is preparing people for'? What are the skills that people need for 
employment'? Should education prepare people to be 'good employees' in a precarious labour market or be more 
critical and challenge and transform the status quo'? 

In this module we will explore a number of issues relating to education and equality, the economy, and the role 
of education both as a citizenship right and in developing citizens. We will analyse these issues drawing on 
philosophical, historical and socio-political perspectives.

Target Students

This module is on the BA (Hons) Education programme and is also available to all undergraduate students and all Exchange students.

Classes

This module is taught through a combination of seminars and lectures.

Assessment

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

This module aims to:develop students’ criticality in relation to the purposes of education.introduce students to a range of philosophical, historical and socio-political perspectives.enable students to explore issues relating to education and equality and the economy.encourage students to reflect on the role of education both as a citizenship right and in developing citizens.introduce students to key approaches to qualitative education research.develop students use of digital tools for the presentation of work.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to:
        -confidently participate in and contest changing perspectives, policy and practice in relation to education.

Intellectual Skills

Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
        -accommodate new principles and understandings of the purposes of education, recognising connections and discontinuities
        -reflect on their own and others' value systems and demonstrate criticality in relation to a range of philosophical, historic and socio-political perspectives

Professional Practical Skills

Students will be able to demonstrate that they can:
        -use research skills appropriate to the discipline of education: qualitative and library based, written and oral communication, and textual analysis

Transferable Skills

Students should be able to:
       -organise and articulate opinions and arguments in speech, writing and digital presentation using relevant specialist vocabulary.
        -collaborate and plan as part of a team, to carry out roles allocated by the team

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 07/01/2025.