2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
LISS1037 Education in the Media
10 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Rachel Mathieson
Email: R.Mathieson1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Pre-requisite qualifications
GPA of 2.8 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a universityThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
How are live debates within the English education system portrayed in the media? What is distinctive about the English education system? How do English schools and universities compare to those in other countries? This module looks at current issues within the field of education, through the prism of accounts in the media. You will look at the facts behind the newspaper stories which have captured the public’s attention. What is the real difference between private schools and the state sector? How does England compare on the world stage in international tests such as PISA and TIMMS and why does it matter? You will consider these questions and also explore topics such as the mental health crisis amongst English school pupils. You will learn about accountability measures, such as Progress 8 and SATS. You will examine how accountability affects the curriculum offered in schools. The module also looks at why there is still a divide between vocational and academic education. You will have the opportunity to analyse the legacy of the tripartite system introduced after the Second World War. Finally you will explore some of the most recent situations which have led teachers to take action in street protests and even strikes.Objectives
The objective of this module is to introduce students from a range of countries and backgrounds to a number of crucial facets of the English education system. It draws on media accounts of critical moments in education, and on historical and academic accounts which deconstruct those media stories, offering different perspectives. Through this, the module aims to develop students’ interest in educational issues more widely, including in their own systems.Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Recognise some of the key issues affecting education in England in the 21st century
2. Understand and engage with current theoretical and/or ideological debates within the education system in England and more broadly across the world, at an introductory level
3. Describe and critically appraise elements of the education system in England and their portrayal in the media
4. Apply knowledge of their own education systems in order to make a comparison with the English system
Syllabus
Indicative syllabus:
• Structural differences in the system – different types of educational institution (including public/private/state schools)
• The English qualification system
• Curriculum
• Use of statistics in international comparisons (PISA, TIMMS)
• Students’ mental health and resilience programmes
• The accountability culture: progress and attainment measures, and league tables
• Educational funding
• Further/higher education
• Inclusion, special needs, and diversity
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Visit | 1 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
Fieldwork | 1 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
Seminar | 8 | 3.00 | 24.00 |
Independent online learning hours | 15.00 | ||
Private study hours | 43.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 42.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
15 hours pre-course preparatory work (materials available on Minerva): this will include reading (reading list to be provided) and one short task based on preparatory material. Private study during the module will include reading Minerva resources, reflecting on education systems in students’ own countries, preparing a presentation, writing an essay.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Ongoing feedback in class through questioning and dialogueMethods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 1,500 words | 60.00 |
Presentation | Group presentation, 5-10 minutes | 40.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 05/08/2020 13:06:39
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