Established by: Head of Department of Applied Educational Science, 2017-06-15
Revised by: Head of Department of Applied Educational Science, 2023-05-10
Contents
The course provides a critical introduction to and analysis of education policy. It offers an overview of debates around policy at the level of international organizations, but also at the national level. It examines the relationships between policy contexts, processes and outcomes, and illustrates these through specific examples of policies in Europe and Sweden. The course presents and analyses research on policy and reflects on the connections between education policy and school practice. In particular, the course is structured around the following: understanding policy in education, how it is implemented and received in schools; what are the values that policies represent and how these values are mediated in the contexts of education institutions, and, what does policy and research on policy mean for teachers and students. The course will use case studies to explore these themes, drawing on research in the fields of:
School marketization and privatization.
Inclusion in education and in teacher education.
Changing education governance in the European Union, and the role of international organizations in education policy.
The case studies will have both Swedish, international comparative elements.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course students will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the trends of educational policy in Sweden and selected international contexts
Skills and abilities
Identify and problematize issues of values in education policy and educational goals as these are formulated by governments and international organizations
Identify and analyse important contemporary policy issues in Sweden and Europe and discuss their implications for schools and students
Values and critical approach
Analyse and critically evaluate selected policy developments for schools' and teachers' practice
Relate their understandings of education policy to particular policy areas and be able to translate this knowledge into a written and oral presentation
Required Knowledge
Prior university studies of 90 credits. English for basic required knowledge for university studies.
Form of instruction
The main forms of instruction are lectures and seminars. The course will also include guided individual work and student presentations. The course has mandatory parts that demands physical presence at campus, see further in the course schedule and study guide.
All teaching will be in English.
Examination modes
Physical presence in mandatory parts is demanded for passed result on the course if not otherwise written in current schedule and study guide. There will be two forms of assessment in the course.
An individual written essay of 3,000 words.
An individual student presentation.
In order to be awarded a Pass grade for the course, it is required that both forms of assessment are passed. Possible grades are Passed with distinction, Passed, or Failed.
The course work is examined at the ordinary examination or re-examined at a later occasion during the same semester. An opportunity to re-examine the course work is normally given in the following semester provided the student has requested it. After that a student with a fail is advised to participate in the next ordinary examination.
A student has the right to change examiner for a course based on a written request to the head of department after two fails on the same course or a part of the course.
Transfer of credits Students have the right to apply for transfer of credits from earlier higher education or occupational experience. For more information, see the Higher Education Ordinance and: http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/transfer-of-credits/ A negative decision about transfer of credits is possible to appeal to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan: http://www.onh.se/in-english A negative decision shall be motivated in writing. For more information, take contact with Student Services.
Other regulations
Cannot be studied in combination with 2PE142 Education Policy and Practice in International Perspectives, 7.5 Credits or 6PE239 Education Policy and Practice in International Perspectives, 7.5 Credits.
Re-examinations based on the same curriculum are guaranteed within the two years of the first registration on the course.
