Exploring the contributory disciplines of Education Studies

Overview

This module will examine the contribution of the four core disciplines of: history and politics, philosophy, psychology and sociology to education studies. Students will be introduced to some of the key, influential educational theorists from these fields and explore their respective contributions to contemporary education. The module will begin with an overview and introduction of the four disciplines and subsequently consider in more depth each discipline and its role in shaping education research, values, theory, and practice.

Learning Objectives

Studying this module will enable students to:

• Describe and critically examine key conceptual and theoretical foundations of education research and practice, gaining an understanding of the core disciplinary perspectives in education.  
• Appreciate and evaluate the influence of different perspectives and contexts on learning and learning environments, including how value systems emerge and exert influence.
• Engage in systematic analysis of key concepts, theories, and policies in education and the contributory fields of history, philosophy, psychology and sociology. 

Skills

This module will allow students to develop the following skills:

• Express informed viewpoints on key educational issues, drawing on subject knowledge from the core disciplines, and critical reflection. 
• Summarise and communicate complex ideas, arguments and evidence.
• Engage in robust critique of a full range of issues in the field of education.
• Reflect critically on the nature of evidence, values underpinning different viewpoints, and values-based approaches to interpretation. 

Assessment

None