EEP101 Historical and Social Contexts of Early Childhood Education (8)

This subject will survey historical, philosophical, and sociological understandings of early child education. Children, childhood, and families are examined in their different historical, cultural, and social contexts with attention to both perspectives and practice. The subject will consider, historical perspectives on children and childhood; the development of early childhood education and care in Australia; practical approaches and philosophies in early childhood; early childhood policy and provision; and ethical responsibilities in early childhood education. In today's world, teacher's work is increasingly complex. Teachers must be cognisant of the complexity of social and cultural factors that influence children and their family, and resultant social justice issues. Issues specifically related to social class, gender, and ethnicity, will also be examined. Students will be able to critically evaluate existing knowledge and scholarship, and identify theoretical perspectives and philosophy in practice, enabling reflection and reflexivity as they develop as teachers.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: EEP101. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Education

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the historical and contemporary development of early childhood education and care in Australia;
  • be able to indicate how children, families and education have been represented in current and historical contexts;
  • be able to describe how philosophical approaches to the care and education of children have changed over time;
  • be able to discuss ways that educational philosophies affect curriculum, pedagogy and service provision in early childhood contexts;
  • be able to explain how contexts, policy, and frameworks affect children and families in early childhood education;
  • be able to discuss and apply sociological understandings and theories demonstrating how it contributes to understandings of social justice issues in early childhood education relevant to social class, ethnicity, and gender;
  • be able to explain the role of ethics, reflection, and reflexive practice as students and teachers in early childhood education to address social justice issues;
  • be able to articulate ideas and information clearly and appropriately for the given context, audience and ICT; and
  • be able to apply academic writing and APA style referencing.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The development of early childhood and care in Australia (19th century to 1960’s)
  • The development of early childhood and care in Australia (1970’s to current)
  • Contexts, policies, and frameworks of early childhood education and care in contemporary Australia
  • Philosophical approaches to the care and education of children 1 (Socrates to Aristotle)
  • Philosophical approaches to the care and education of children 2 (Rosseau to Froebel)
  • Philosophical approaches to the care and education of children 3 (Practical approaches and philosophies in early childhood education and care – Highscope, Cultural-historical, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Multiple Intelligence Theory and Practice)
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • Sociological understandings of early childhood education and care – gender
  • Sociological understandings of early childhood education and care – social class
  • Sociological understandings of early childhood education and care – ethnicity
  • Reflection and reflexivity for early childhood educators
  • Preparation of presentation

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of EEP101 in Session 3 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Learning journal
50
2
Investigation of a social justice issue
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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