Module: EDU4101-20 Controversial Issues in Special and Inclusive Education

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Ben Simmons

Module Tutor Contact Details: b.simmons@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Do all children have ‘personhood’? Is disability real? Should every child be included in a mainstream school? Do profoundly disabled children have sexualities? This unit critically reviews controversial topics and questions within the field of special and inclusive education. It draws on a range of theoretical perspectives, such as post-structuralism, social constructionism, and disability studies, to tackle challenging and contested issues in special educational needs and inclusive education.

2.Outline syllabus

You will learn about key debates and controversies that relate to special and inclusive education. The module will draw from a broad array of disciplines and theories to illuminate these debates. For example, philosophy and bioethics will be used to examine whether students with extensive brain injury can still be classed as ‘people’, and the implications this has for schooling. Critical disability studies will be used to problematize the meaning of ‘disability’ and examine how this informs debate about inclusive education. Through interactive group activities, class debates, lectures and journal article reviews, you will learn to take an informed and critical position on sensitive topics in the areas of special educational needs, disability and inclusion.

3.Teaching and learning activities

Lectures

Seminars

- Group activities and debates

- Peer-led journal article reviews

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%