This course is an introduction to key theories, perspectives, and socio-political movements specifically relating to the fields of adult education, youth studies, and community studies. Including philosophical underpinnings, theoretical developments, and paradigmatic movements in education, the course will include explorations of local and global contexts in light of theoretical ideas and discourses. Current developments, challenges, and possibilities for contemporary learning and development will be located within the context of social, ecological, and political contexts.

10 x 3 hour sessions across 10 weeks

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Assignment 1: A portfolio: students will submit an annotated diagram of a self-selected educational context and apply one theory from the course to four aspects of this context (30%).

Assignment 2: A 3000-word critical essay that explores a self-selected educational context in relation to two theories and perspectives discussed on the course (70%).

The paper must demonstrate evidence of the following:

- An educational context (students, space, learning) [ILO1, 2]

- Critical discussion of theories and conceptual paradigms discussed on the course [ILO 3, 4 and 5]

1. To create knowledge of and appreciation for the key theories influencing adult and continuing education; youth studies; and community studies in Scotland, the UK, and internationally;
2. To develop a thorough understanding of the historical developments influencing the fields of adult education, youth studies, and community studies;

3. To identify and critically assess and analyse current patterns of provision within a broader historical and geographical context;
4. To stimulate interest and commitment to the further study of the theories and perspectives in the broad fields of learning and teaching

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of key theoretical and conceptual paradigms in the field of teaching and learning, particularly those concerning their own selected focus area and context of study;

2. Engage effectively in informed discussion about historical and policy trajectories in the field of teaching and learning, particularly those concerning their own selected focus area and context of study;

3. Critically analyse the influence of local and global agendas and programmes in educational provision

4. Develop and articulate a theoretical framework relevant to chosen area of specialisation

5. Apply the course content in individual assignments on related topics.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.