Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description Children's and their parents' lives are lived locally, within their home, schools and communities. This module critically explores the social dimension of learning of children and youth in schools by drawing on the students own experiences and creatively linking practice to theory. Exploring the sociologies of education and childhood, we will example education and childhood and how children think is influenced by the contexts in which they learn. International research reveals that where children's experiences and views are taken on board, in schools and communities, the benefits are evident for all. Students are encouraged to think sociologically and of the changing context of modern societies raising important questions about teaching and learning in schools, and in particular their own schools and wider school community. Children's agency, participation and action through the lens of children's geographies, social justice and children's rights will be analysed offering students the opportunity to explore and apply theory to enable them to reflect on the Irish education system, their own schools and their own professional practice. Schools through geography and other subjects, can make a contribution to improving children's lives, through learning about, through and in the locality, with scaffolding of agency and actions where appropriate. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Critically reflect on the sociological foundations of childhood and schooling and deepen understanding of equality in schools. 2. Analyse policies and practices in relation to theory and research in social and environmental justice. 3. Analyse the relationships between rights, equalities and voice in relation to pedagogies for social justice. 4. Investigate socially just practices and cultures in schools, through research and networking. 5. Research, reference and rationalise possible future ‘equity actions’ in familiar education settings. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Sessions Session 1: Equality and Schooling: Thinking about children, their learning and schooling. Session 2: The Construction of Childhood in School: Children’s rights, voice, agency and participation Session 3: Pedagogies for Social Justice: The socially just school 1 Session 4: Pedagogies for Social Justice: The socially just school 2 Session 5: Pedagogies for Social Justice: Fieldwork Session 6: Present Projects: Linking Practice to Theory Through the Lens of Children's Geographies, Social Justice and Children’s rights Session 7: Panel Discussion and Open Forum. Looking at contemporary practices in schools with three case study schools | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||