Contemporary Issues, Theories and Practices in Early Childhood Education

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
EDUC 2049
Course ID icon
Course ID
203501
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course develops understanding of dominant historical discourses in the field of early childhood education, and introduces multiple perspectives on theory, research and practice as alternative discourses and pedagogical approaches.

  • Historical Overview
  • Theoretical Perspectives
  • Contemporary Issues And Practice

Course learning outcomes

  • Extend existing understandings of childhood taking into account how these understandings developed at different historical periods
  • Critically analyse the historical development of understandings of childhood, how we know about children, and how these understandings resonate in contemporary Australian contexts
  • Identify contemporary theories that have shaped and continue to shape understandings of children and childhood, diversity, difference and inclusivity
  • Apply critical, post-structural, feminist and post-human theoretical understandings to critically analyse, reflect and design inclusive professional practice in early childhood care and education settings
  • Apply knowledge of contemporary theories to respond to contemporary issues in early childhood education concerning equity and social inclusion

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Degree list
The following degrees include this course