E 7331

Curriculum Theory and Design

Fall I 2007

INSTRUCTOR:

Debra Van Maldegiam

PHONE:

EMAIL:

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REQUIRED TEXTS:

Title / Curriculum Development: Theory Into Practice
Author(s) / Daniel Tanner, Laurel Tanner
Copyright / 4th, 06
Publisher / Pearson
ISBN / 0130864730
Edition
Title / Understanding by Design
Author(s) / Grant Wiggins, Jay McTighe
Copyright / 2nd, 06
Publisher / Prentice Hall (Pearson)
ISBN / 0131950843
Edition

This Course Requires the Purchase of a Course Packet: YES NO

Course Description:

This course provides an examination of the theoretical assumptions underlying curriculum design. Students clarify definitions, explore conflicting conceptions of the curriculum, and develop strategies for constructing, developing, and implementing curricula that are consistent with specific theoretical principles. Students also examine the impact of research upon curricula, various methods for implementing specific differentiated curriculum plans, and the basis for evaluating curricula in terms of design and delivery.

Course Prerequisites: None

Course Length: 8 Weeks

Credit Value: 3

Contact Hours: 45 contact hours

Technology

Computer:

PC: As a general guideline students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows 2000 or XP, and 512 MB RAM.
MAC: As a general guideline students should not have computer specifications less than a MAC G4 processor, MAC OS X, and 512 MB RAM.

Software:

Microsoft Office Professional (including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access and Outlook), Norton Antivirus, Adobe Acrobat Professional3

Peripherals: N/A

Browser:

Courses offered online are best viewed using Microsoft Internet Explorer v5.5/6.0 (PC), v5.2 (MAC), Safari 1.0 (MAC), or Firefox.

Course Competencies:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Identify the philosophical, historical, psychological, and social foundations of curriculum.
  2. Describe the importance of curriculum theory to educators.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the various approaches to curriculum development, design, and implementation by enumerating and explaining them.
  4. Offer solutions for the major issues facing curriculum designers.
  5. Evaluate the theories and structures underlying the basic assumptions about curriculum design.
  6. Assess the various approaches to curriculum evaluation.
  7. Critique the effects of political influences on curricular trends.

Topical Outline:

Module 1 Introduction to Curriculum Design

  • Course Overview
  • Module Overview
  • Fundamentals of Curriculum
  • Introduction to Taxonomy

Module 2 Curriculum Design Planning

  • Module Overview
  • Levels of Curriculum Planning
  • Role of Curriculum Developers

Module 3 Curriculum Design Requirements

  • Module Overview
  • Needs Assessment
  • Curriculum Development Models

Module 4 Curriculum Design Selection

  • Module Overview
  • Writing Instructional Goals and Objectives
  • Selecting an Instructional Strategy

Module 5 Curriculum Design Implementation

  • Module Overview
  • Applying Instructional Strategy
  • Implementing Curriculum Products
  • Evaluation of Curriculum

Module 6 Curriculum Design Evaluation

  • Module Overview
  • Evaluating Curriculum Design
  • Steps in Curriculum Design Evaluation

Module 7 Curriculum Design Presentation

  • Module Overview
  • Presenting Your Curriculum Design
  • Contemporary Issues in Curriculum Design

Module 8 Course Summary

  • Module Overview
  • Current Curricular Reforms: Improvements