Module: Curriculum & Pedagogy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Curriculum & Pedagogy
Module Code	EDU1004 (ITS: AP703)
Faculty	Arts Education & Movement	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

Students will examine the development of multi-denominational schools in Ireland and the associated ethical education curricula. Building on the two previous modules, students will explore the concept of ethical education in an international context and learn to identify and develop appropriate teaching and learning methodologies and resources. A key component of the module will be the exploration of various concepts associated with an ethical education curriculum through a broad range of pedagogies, learning objects, lesson plans and additional materials including visual and digital resources. Throughout the module students will reflect on the role of the teacher as an ethical practitioner and on the relationship between curriculum, pedagogy and ethos.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the development of multi-denominational schools in Ireland and the social, political and legal context of this development.
2. Appraise the ethical curricula used in multi-denominational and equality-based primary and secondary school contexts in Ireland.
3. Situate the concept of ethical education in Irish school contexts within comparative international approaches to ethical education.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between school ethos, curriculum and pedagogy.
5. Identify and develop examples of methodologies and resources to support an Ethical Education curriculum, appraise them and show how they can be used in practice.
6. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the significant role of personal dispositions, attitudes, assumptions, values and dominant discourse in shaping their attitude and approaches to education and their personal and professional development as teachers.
7. Develop a critical understanding of the complexities of ethical and intercultural education in multi-denominational school settings
8. Critically evaluate a range of pedagogical strategies and approaches which can be used to engage learners in themes related to ethical education

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	No Description
Independent Study	30	No Description
Workplace application	30	No Description
Online activity	10	Discussions/reflections on pedagogical issues
Assignment Completion	35	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10002	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Niamh Mcguirk	Module Teacher	Anne Marie Kavanagh, Jones Irwin

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Campbell, E.: 2003, The Ethical Teacher, Open University Press, Maidenhead, 978-033521218
Fisher, R.: 2008, Teaching Thinking Philosophical Enquiry in the Classroom., 3rd ed, Bloomsbury., London,
OSCE & OHIDR.: 2007, Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools., OHIDR, Warsaw,
Narvaez, D.: 2008, Integrative ethical education – A developmental Model., University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame,

Articles:

Devine, D.: 2011, Immigration and schooling in the Republic of Ireland: Making a difference?, Manchester University Press., Manchester,

Other Resources

None