Spark! The Art & Science of Learning

In this course, we address how people learn as well as the social, political, and global contexts in which learning takes place. Together, we walk through the art and science of learning, including contemporary debates and discussions in anthropology, history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Through questions, we view learning from diverse perspectives to understand learning in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere around the world. Course assessments are designed in a way that links theories of learning to any academic discipline or subject area while also giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a meaningful, purposeful, and unique way.

15 points

Education, Culture and Society

This course provides an introduction to foundational theories, concepts and processes in the study of education. The course explores theories about power, justice and fairness in society, with a particular focus on how they relate to education. It also examines what part factors such as class, genders and sexualities, disability, and race may play in maintaining unequal forms of education. An important feature of the course will be analysing the role played by education in the development of colonial relations between Maori and Pakeha, and how that continues to shape contemporary New Zealand society.

15 points

EDUC120 and TEDU111

Education and Society: Ideals and Realities

This course considers the connections and tensions between ideals and realities in education and society. Drawing on work in the sociology of education, the philosophy of education, and educational policy studies, as well as on educational practices, the course addresses questions such as these: How should society be structured? What do we hope to achieve through education? Why do some students ‘fail’ and others ‘succeed’? What role can education play in social change? This course encourages participants to deepen their understanding of education, social life, and human fulfillment.

15 points

30 points in EDUC or YACL, or 45 points of ANTH, CULT, HIST, POLS, SOCI, SPCO, or permission of the Head of School

EDUC220