Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module EDUC2291: KEY ISSUES AND DILEMMAS IN THE UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

Department: Education

EDUC2291: KEY ISSUES AND DILEMMAS IN THE UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2019/20 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable second year students to understand the main systems and structures of Education in the UK, with particular reference to the management structures, policies and economics involved.

Content

  • The module will examine current education structure and issues in the management of education and analyse the sociological and political tends and perspectives.
  • It will do so throught he critical application of key theoretical models.
  • Each lecture will take a topic and explore it through these perspectives.
  • The first term will reveal the problems, strengths and weaknesses of the current structure through the use of key 'Management of Education' models.
  • The second term will examine the strengths and limitations of these models, and the third term will review the module in terms of challenging and questioning explanations of management systems.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In terms of knowledge and understanding students will be able to demonstrate: a detailed knowledge and understanding of the main features of the education system in the UK.
  • an awareness of the social, political and economic background reasons for these systems.
  • an understanding of the range of management factors that might influence the education system.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • the use of examples of the implementation of education policies in practice;
  • provision of well argued conclusions relating to significant educational issues; Students should be able to demonstrate an ability:
  • to reflect on their own value systems and development;
  • to question concepts and theories encountered in their studies of education;
  • to interrogate the assumptions underpinning theory and research.
Key Skills:
  • think critically and independently;
  • acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way;
  • construct and sustain a reasoned argument;
  • communicate effectively with appropriate use of specialist vocabulary;
  • use ICT and a variety of library and IT resources;
  • improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval, and a capacity to plan and manage learning, and to reflect on their own learning;
  • work to deadlines.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Students will be introduced to a range of analytical techniques relating to the period and issues under study through a lecture and tutorial group work programme in which students will not only listen to formal lectures but be expected to engage in debate and reflection through group work exercises.
  • Students will further develop their knowledge and understanding, apply and reflect on ideas and demonstrate key skills through a summative piece of assessment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 Weekly 1 hour 22
Tutorials 11 Fortnightly 1 hour 11
Preparation and Reading 167
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
assignment 2000 words 100%
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Written assignment (1500 words).


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University