This course focuses on the changing relationship between education and society in New Zealand since the 1877 Education Act. It is an introduction to fundamental sociological and historical ideas and empirical material about education, curriculum knowledge, early childhood education, school, and societal influences on education. The educational, political, and social purposes of a national education system are considered as are their influences on policy and practice. The course also introduces students to selected issues in education which are developed in subsequent courses. These include: theories about nation-building, liberalism, class, ethnicity, culture, sex and gender, and equality, with specific reference to the New Zealand education system.
The following ideas about the purpose of an education system are integrated throughout the course:
• Contribute to building the nation and society
• Integrate different groups into society
• Improve the lives of individuals
• Develop an economy