Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate understanding of the socio-cultural factors that influence curriculum and its implementation for diverse groups of learners
  2. demonstrate understanding of the knowledge and strategies that support students’ engagement with the curriculum
  3. outline general awareness of the existence, purpose and function of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum
  4. apply curriculum theory and information in curriculum documents to create learning experiences.

  • Topics

    • Is curriculum just a document?
    • Power, values and points of view
    • Educator philosophies
    • Social disadvantage & the virtual schoolbag
    • Binary thinking: gender & class
    • Indigenous education justice
    • Childhood, technology & consumerism
    • The third teacher
    • Planning curriculum
    • The official curricula

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Standard Media
      • Web links
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Glossary
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture
      • Chat Rooms
      • Online assignment submission
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board

    • Online Materials

      • Printable format materials
      • Resources and Links
      • Quizzes

    • Other Materials

      • Video

Entry Requirements

Equivalent Subjects

You cannot enrol in this unit if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject was previously known as EDC111 Exploring and Contesting Curriculum.

This subject provides an introduction to the idea of curriculum including key terms, alternative models of curriculum and the processes and products of curriculum. Specific areas covered include: socio-cultural perspectives of curricula; curriculum integration; the development of early learning and school-based curricula; and the way in which teachers use curriculum documents for planning. This subject provides an introduction to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum.

Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Report (20%)
  • Essay (30%)
  • Case Study Exercise (50%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

undergraduate CUR-BED-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Education Primary Education

undergraduate CUR-ECE-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Education