Module: EDU6002-20 Global and International Education

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Yesid Paez Cubides

Module Tutor Contact Details: r.cubides@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:  

This module provides a general introduction to the theoretical and empirical aspects of cultural, political and economic globalisation processes and relates them to education policy and practice at local, regional and global scales. The content of the module is organised around three areas of focus. We start by problematising the concepts of ‘education’ and ‘globalisation’; and we do so with a particular focus on the changing, context-specific understandings of the purpose of education and how education practice and outcomes are differentially construed and valorised across time and space. Our discussion and analysis will draw on a range of sociological theories that explore the globalisation-education nexus.

We then apply these insights and put together some of the principles that ought to inform the design and conduct of comparative research in education. A range of key readings and seminar tasks will allow us to develop a better understanding of the strengths and limitations of comparative methodology. In particular, the module draws on concrete cases that explore discourse and materiality as analytical entry points, and it problematises the suitability of qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis.

The final part of this module focuses on the analysis and comparison of specific education systems and of education policy and practice. We will investigate different approaches to and understandings of education and we will also link key sociological and education theories to empirical data to explore issues such as gender inequality in education, the role of culture in shaping pedagogy, and the significance of history and geography for policy and practice.

2.Outline syllabus

Main concepts that will be discussed in this module include:

● Globalisation theory

● Cultural Political Economy of education

● Human capital theory

● Culture and pedagogy

● Social stratification and development

● Principles of comparative research in education

● Qualitative and quantitative approaches to research

The module will pay particular attention to the relationship between globalisation and education and how this relationship is inflected by geopolitics, socioeconomic stratification, gender inequality, and ethnic and spatial disparity, amongst others. The module will draw on the disciplines of economics, geo-politics, sociology, history and geography through the contexts of national and international education policy and practice.

3.Teaching and learning activities

This module has lectures and seminars. Throughout the year you will also have 1-to-1 tutorials with your tutor to help you prepare for your assessments. Occasionally, sessions may be delivered as e-learning weeks rather than face to face.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Student-led seminar (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 40

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60