This course provides an introduction to international and comparative education, for people interested in learning more about education as an international issue. Participants will consider why it is important to look beyond the nation state in the current context of globalization and global inequalities, and will explore suitable research approaches for developing this perspective.

Weekly

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Assessment

In the summative assessment consisting of a 4000 word essay students will be expected to demonstrate an informed international perspective on a key issue and the capacity to plan a comparative research project on the same theme. 100% of the final mark will be based on this assignment.  Please note the two compulsory formative assessment pieces below.

■ To create knowledge of and appreciation for the importance of studying education in an international context

■ To introduce participants to key concepts in international education such as globalization, policy borrowing and postcolonialism

■ To facilitate reflection on the nature of social justice on a global scale

■ To familiarize participants with basic comparative methods including widely-used frameworks

To facilitate reflection on the issues particular to international research including intercultural skills

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas.

Knowledge and Understanding:

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

■ Critically analyse the impact of the forces of globalization and internationalization on education

■ Demonstrate awareness of key debates in international education, particularly those concerning issues of equity at global, national and local levels

■ Use theories derived from international and comparative study to analyse their own educational experiences from a wider perspective

Skills and Other Attributes:

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

■ Articulate the importance of an international perspective on education

■ Plan international research which demonstrates awareness of basic comparative methods and sensitivity to intercultural issues

■ Discuss and write about the above in an informed and critically analytical manner

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