Key facts
UNE unit code: EDCX246
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

At a time when the contexts and practices of education are shifting and new agendas are influencing educational change, this introductory unit will help you to gain a thorough understanding of education in contemporary societies.
By exploring the social, cultural, economic and political origins of key educational issues, you will understand how historical practices are tied up with current educational situations in education, and how responsive and responsible practices contribute to the ethical requirement of social justice in education.
You will analyse the impact of culture, individualism, gender, race, social class, managerialism, professionalism, technologies and popular media. This unit provides opportunities to use critical thinking skills by understanding and formulating responses to legislative, administrative and organisational requirements for issues surrounding inclusive student participation and engagement that are highly significant for understanding education today.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand the historical, social, cultural, economic and political contexts of education and how these impact on student learning, in particular, the strategies and resources used to support inclusive student participation and engagement (GTSD 1.2.1, 4.1.1);
- develop critical understanding of the practices of education in contemporary societies (GTSD 7.2.1);
- understand the impact on education of discourses of culture, individualism, gender, race, social class, managerialism, professionalism, technologies and popular media (GTSD 1.1.1, 1.3.1); and
- identify the assumptions underpinning the above discourses and critically evaluate them by understanding the levels of legislative, administrative and organisational requirements (GTSD 7.2.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Reflective analysis. Relates to GTSD:1.1.1, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 4.1.1, 7.2.1 No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Examination. Relates to GTSD: 1.1.1, 1.2.1, 1.3.1, 4.1.1, 7.2.1 It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Making Sense of Mass Education
ISBN: 9781009105323
Tait, G., Cambridge University Press 4th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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