Courses

GCRD 6301
Foundations of Curriculum Studies I 0.5 unit
An introduction to curriculum studies as a field for scholarly inquiry and professional practice. This course includes an examination of theories and philosophies of curriculum studies, models of curriculum development and evaluation.

GCRD 6302
Foundations of Curriculum Studies II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6301 or permission of the instructor
A continuation of curriculum studies as a field for scholarly inquiry and professional practice. This course includes a focus on applied practice and process of curriculum development and implementation, including aims, design, implementation, and issues related to curriculum studies.

GCRD 6305/GFDD 6513
Schooling and Social Justice 0.5 unit
An exploration of the connections between curriculum theorizing and practices, ways in which social issues are brought to bear upon curriculum, and how this is affected by the everyday lived experiences of students and teachers. This course also focuses on developing strategies for socially just classrooms.

GCRD 6313
Geography in Education 1.0 unit
This course explores questions of space and environment as avenues for increased understanding of our world. While of obvious value to teachers in the social studies, the course is designed to benefit teachers of any grade level or subject area by suggesting ways in which sound geographic understanding can contribute to their teaching.

GCRD 6314
New Dimensions for Curriculum in Geography 0.5 unit
This course is designed for those who teach, plan, or supervise courses of study in geography/social studies, or Maritime Studies, at the secondary level. It considers the implications of geographical thought for curriculum development, course planning, and teaching, and it suggests bridges between geography and other fields of study.

GCRD 6315
Critical Pedagogy I 0.5 unit
This course provides an introduction to educational practices as forms of cultural politics. It examines theoretical frameworks (critical theory, feminisms, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, etc.) for analyses of the intersections of knowledge, power and identity in and through the everyday work of education. Particular emphasis is given to the constitutive processes of gendering, racialization, etc. within educational institutions. Counter-pedagogies, those which can name, challenge and more democratically reconstitute such processes and effects, are the primary focus of the course.

GCRD 6316
Critical Pedagogy II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6315 or permission of the instructor
This course provides a continuation of the examination of educational practices as forms of cultural politics. It examines theoretical frameworks (critical theory, feminisms, postcolonialism, poststructuralism, etc.) for analyses of the intersections of knowledge, power and identity in and through the everyday work of education. Particular emphasis is given to the constitutive processes of gendering, racialization, etc. within educational institutions. Counter-pedagogies, those which can name, challenge and more democratically reconstitute such processes and effects, are the primary focus of the course.

GCRD 6317
Curriculum in Practice I 0.5 unit
An introduction to the process of action research in classrooms and schools with a focus on what teachers and students are actually doing in the learning environment. Emphasis is placed on basic teaching and learning interactions, and critical analysis of a series of cycles examining curriculum in practice.

GCRD 6318
Curriculum in Practice II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6317 or permission of the instructor
A continuation of the process of action research in classrooms and schools; focus on what teachers and students are actually doing in the learning environment. Emphasis is placed on basic teaching and learning interactions, and critical analysis of a series of cycles examining curriculum in practice.

GCRD 6319/GFDD 6512
History of Educational Ideas 0.5 unit
An examination of the social, cultural, and ideological forces that have affected ideas about education and their relationship to contemporary educational practices. Various aspects of education such as curriculum design, evaluation, implementation, and research are explored.

GCRD 6320
Global Issues and Education I 0.5 unit
An examination and comparison of theoretical perspectives about global education. Relevant principles, themes, concepts and/or values inherent in a global perspective will be considered.

GCRD 6321
Global Issues and Education II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6320 or permission of the instructor
An identification and critique of global education initiatives. Students will engage in an exploration of the underlying ideologies and paradigms that inform various global education theories/perspectives and will examine and apply global education pedagogy and practice.

GCRD 6322
Education and Development I 0.5 unit
An introduction to critical analysis of the inter-related concepts of education and development. Education represents one of the major economic costs associated with most social and political jurisdictions. The course compares local conditions, costs and benefits from the educational sector with data from a more global perspective.

GCRD 6323
Education and Development II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6322 or permission of the instructor
Develops concepts and connections of the assumed relationship between formal, non-formal, and in-formal education. This advanced course considers, for example, questions about whether education in one context is relevant in others, and whether the cost-benefit analysis justifies the on-going contributions expected from society.

GCRD 6324/GLIT 6731
Cultural Politics and the Teaching of English 0.5 unit
This course traces the social, cultural and institutional functions of the subject of English to provide an understanding of how it is a form of cultural politics. The course examines contemporary critical theories and the cultural politics of media (print, electronic, visual) as a means of expanding possibilities of teaching English as a socially progressive subject.

GCRD 6325/GLIT 6732
Reading and Teaching Popular Culture 0.5 unit
This course focuses on the educational and pedagogical dimensions of popular culture. It provides theoretical frameworks, namely, those of cultural studies and critical literacy, to explore the variety of literacies practised in contemporary multi-mediated cultures and the complex social processes brought to bear on the teaching and reading of popular culture.

GCRD 6326/GEMS 6426
Learning Difficulties in School Mathematics 0.5 unit
An examination of research on mathematics anxiety, mathematics disabilities, and other learning issues. The course provides an opportunity to use existing tools or to develop specific instruments for determining problematic areas and to plan appropriate teaching strategies.

GCRD 6327/GEMS 6427
Interdisciplinary Study of School Mathematics 0.5 unit
An examination of research on the learning of mathematics in the context of other subject areas, or other fields of applications. This course provides an opportunity to study mathematical experiences that offer meaningful and authentic connections to various topics of educational interest.

GCRD 6328/GEMS 6428
Pedagogical Approaches in School Mathematics 0.5 unit
An examination of pedagogical approaches in mathematics education. Research on techniques beyond direct instruction is investigated with the aim to develop an extensive pedagogical toolbox of strategies for teaching mathematics. While mathematical content is not the major emphasis of the course, it is often the vehicle for discussion of the pedagogical approaches. Note: Students who have received credit for GEMS 6462 may not take this course for credit.

GCRD 6329
Curricular Topics in High School Mathematics 0.5 unit
An examination of current perspectives in mathematics education regarding content knowledge at the high school level. Areas to be reviewed include research on students’ development of quantitative, algebraic, spatial, and statistical reasoning.

GCRD 6330
Assessment for Learning I 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): admission to concentration in Supporting Learners with Diverse Needs and Exceptionalities program
A review of educational assessment for learning focusing on the inclusive classroom. Topics include linkages between assessment and program planning, selected professional practice issues, measurement issues, and the role of the teacher and student in the assessment process for school age children and youth. Content also includes a critical analysis of selected tests, strategies and procedures used in the assessment process.

GCRD 6331
Assessment for Learning II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6330 (may be taken concurrently)
A seminar and practicum course designed to extend knowledge and critical perspectives in integrating assessment information in developing accommodations, adaptations, and individualized program plans. Students critically review the design and development of informal techniques and strategies to enhance the teaching/learning process and practice the administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected instruments.

GCRD 6332
Programming for Students with Learning Differences I 0.5 unit
A critical examination of current practices, research, and educational policies as well as teachers’ personal and practical knowledge of student differences. The course will also involve the integration of effective strategies, techniques, and a spectrum of approaches in various discipline areas to support students in school-based learning settings.

GCRD 6333
Programming for Students with Learning Differences II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6332 (may be taken concurrently)
A seminar and practicum course designed to provide for critical examination and practice in building inclusive learning environments. The course focuses on a critical analysis of the design and implementation of adaptations, accommodations, as well as the use of assistive technology to support learners with various interests, needs and abilities.

GCRD 6334
Classroom Organization and Programming for Learners with Behavioral Challenges 0.5 unit
A consideration of the needs of learners with behavioral challenges, and suggestions for a variety of practices to address those needs. Students have the opportunity to develop practices from both experiences and research and, in the process, become familiar with reviews, journal articles and books in the field. Collaborative approaches to addressing behavioral challenges in the classroom are examined.

GCRD 6335
School Culture and Inclusive Practices 0.5 unit
An exploration of school culture from various perspectives and an examination of how school culture forms and influences inclusionary practices in schools. The course facilitates an inquiry into the issues and challenges to inclusion and offers students opportunities to explore their personal beliefs on inclusion and teaching practices.

GCRD 6336/GEMS 6401
Numeracy in the Curriculum I 0.5 unit
An examination of the concepts of number and operations from grades primary to twelve. Research on number sense is investigated with the aim to develop classroom instruction strategies that foster students’ quantitative thinking.

GCRD 6337/GEMS 6402
Numeracy in the Curriculum II 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6336/GEMS 6401
An examination of number concepts as they apply in the areas of measurement, probability, and statistics from grades primary to twelve. Research on these areas of application of number sense is investigated with the aim to develop classroom instruction strategies that foster students’ quantitative thinking.

GCRD 6338/GEMS 6403
Problem Solving and Problem Posing in School Mathematics 0.5 unit
An investigation of the literature pertaining to problem solving and problem posing in the context of mathematics learning. Students will learn about divergent and convergent thinking processes in mathematics, the integration of creativity and problem solving strategies and their place in the mathematics classroom.

GCRD 6339/GEMS 6404
Educational Perspectives on the Nature of Mathematics 0.5 unit
An examination of mathematics, as a form of knowledge and a teachable subject, from multiple perspectives, including philosophy of mathematics education, psychology and cognitive science, and the philosophy, history and sociology of mathematics. Students will consider implications of these perspectives for their teaching practice.

GCRD 6340
Holistic Education 0.5 unit
Explores the principles, perspectives, and practices of holistic education that emphasize physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual development of children. Through examining alternative educational approaches, models, and theories from Canada and abroad, students develop an understanding of how awareness, creativity, dialogue, freedom, and inquiry can be incorporated in the educational experience.

GCRD 6344/GFDD 6544
Race, Culture, and Education 0.5 unit
An examination of critical theories of race and culture and the adverse effects of hegemonic concepts on societal and educational structures, policies, pedagogies, and power relations, using historical and contemporary case studies of majority-minority relations in Canada.

GCRD 6353
Research Seminar in Curriculum Studies 0.5 unit
GCRD 6354
Research Seminar in Curriculum Studies 0.5 unit
GCRD 6355
Research Seminar in Curriculum Studies 1.0 unit
A seminar course for MEd or MA students in a topic related to curriculum studies. Topics will vary. Note: May be taken more than once for credential credit.

GCRD 6360
Language Acquisition 0.5 unit
An introduction to the field of language acquisition. Topics include first language acquisition, age, human learning, input, interaction, sociocultural and communicative competence, etc. Note: Students who have received credit for GCRD 6306 or GCRD 6307 may not take GCRD 6360 for credit.

GCRD 6361
Linguistics 0.5 unit
An introduction to linguistics, the scientific study of human languages. It focuses on words (morphology), sounds (phonetics), sound patterns (phonology), sentences (syntax), meaning (semantics), and pragmatics (language use in social contexts) in an English language context. Note: Students who have received credit for GCRD 6308 or GCRD 6309 may not take GCRD 6361 for credit.

GCRD 6362
Pedagogical Grammar 0.5 unit
An introduction to the syntactic and morphological structure of English. It covers principles of linguistics and language acquisition related to grammar and how it is learned; and examines pedagogical approaches and techniques for fostering development of grammatical competency. Note: Students who have received credit for SMU EDUC 5658/MSVU GCRD 6003 may not take GCRD 6362 for credit.

GCRD 6363
Introduction to TESOL Research 0.5 unit
An introduction to the MA/MEd program in TESOL. It will explore TESOL research and professional issues. Students will engage in careful reading of research literature, examination of professional resources, preparation of abstracts, bibliographies and literature reviews. Guest lectures will elaborate on the diverse areas of TESOL research and practice.

GCRD 6364
Language Testing and Assessment 0.5 unit
Examines the theories, research, methodologies, and practices in language assessment. Students will consider the issues surrounding classroom assessment and large-scale testing, not limited to, validity, fairness, washback, etc. A number of techniques used in a classroom context will be discussed.

GCRD 6365
Language Curriculum and Instruction 0.5 unit
Examination of the curriculum and methods used in teaching English both in Canada and abroad. It focuses on unit/syllabus design, analysis and evaluation of selected curricular approaches, pedagogical methods, and trends and issues in language education. Note: Students who have received credit for SMU EDUC 5656/MSVU GCRD 6002 or SMU EDUC 5657/MSVU GCRD 6005 may not take GCRD 6365 for credit.

GCRD 6366
TESOL Practicum 0.5 unit
Consists of a series of seminars designed to examine issues related to contemporary English as an additional language pedagogy. Students will use a variety of methods to promote additional language learning, while, at the same time, encouraging reflective practice. It is a two-term course that includes a 50-hour supervised practicum. Note: Students who have received credit for SMU EDUC 5659/MSVU GCRD 6004 may not take GCRD 6366 for credit.

GCRD 6367
TESOL Instruction in P-12 classrooms 0.5 unit
Examines the theory, policy, and practice of instructing English language learners in a P-12 content class. Key topics include theoretical foundations of language development and curriculum development that is responsive to ethnic, racial, cultural, linguistic, and social diversity.

GCRD 6368
Language and Culture 0.5 unit
Explores the interface between language and culture. Students will examine theory and research on culture and communication, e.g., verbal and non-verbal communication, gender, race and class, children’s ethnic socialization, and the status of families as cultural units. The course emphasizes the development of strategies for successful intercultural education. Note: Students who have received credit for SMU EDUC 5661/MSVU GCRD 6001 may not take GCRD 6368 for credit.

GCRD 6369
Technology and Language Education 0.5 unit
Examines the research, theory, and practice of technology supporting language learning and teaching. Students in this course will evaluate the products and processes of integrating technology into language teaching and learning in and outside of the classroom.

GCRD 6370
Newcomers and Settlement 0.5 unit
An introduction to immigration policy in Canada and its impact on newcomers through a case study approach. The course explores the history and development of immigration policy in Canada and the relationship to sociocultural influences. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding and appreciation of various experiences had by newcomers.

GCRD 6371
Literacy Development for TESOL 0.5 unit
Focusing on EAL individuals in Canada with limited literacy in their first language. This course will explore the unique characteristics and needs of EAL literacy learners, the challenges facing both teachers and learners, and the theories and pedagogical approaches to instruction that support these learners.

GCRD 6356
Special Topics in Curriculum Studies 0.5 unit
GCRD 6357
Special Topics in Curriculum Studies 0.5 unit
GCRD 6358
Special Topics in Curriculum Studies 1.0 unit
These courses are designed to allow students to study in greater depth a topic in curriculum studies that is treated more briefly in another graduate course or a related topic that is not covered in another graduate course. Note: May be taken more than once for credential credit.

GCRD 6382
Bilingualism and Bilingual Education 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): Bachelor of Education and second language teacher training; fluent French and permission of the instructor
An introduction to bilingualism and a survey of bilingual education: principles, history, and models, with special emphasis on immersion schools.

GCRD 6383
Current Issues in Bilingual Education 0.5 unit
Prerequisite(s): GCRD 6382 and permission of the instructor
A detailed study of current issues in bilingual education, focusing on language acquisition process and interaction in second language classroom settings.

Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year which runs from September 01, 2023 to August 31, 2024.

For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.