This paper provides critical analyses of the contexts of learning, teaching and education in New Zealand from a variety of historical, philosophical, political and sociological perspectives. The paper examines political debates pertaining to education and the policies resulting from these, the historical events and political philosophies that shape the institutions New Zealanders work within, and cultural and economic changes that impact the education of individuals and families in New Zealand. It provides an examination of the nature and role of education as a major humanities and social sciences discipline. It is a key paper for supporting academic literacy. To understand the New Zealand context students need to engage in a range of academic reading modes, critique policy and be able to interpret graphs, statistics and use different forms of information as evidence to support academic writing. The paper will foster an awareness of how theory helps us to make sense of our world, of what happens, how and why.

This paper is presented as a weekly lecture for all students, and one weekly face to face tutorial. Students will be required to use a range of academic reading modes, note taking, understanding of and critiquing educational policy, interpretation of graphs and statistics, and to use different forms of information as evidence to support and inform their academic writing.

There will be opportunities to select readings and documents where these skills can be scaffolded in context, including librarian support, online moodle support, weekly tutorials and lectures.

Students must achieve an overall pass grade to successfully complete this paper:

1. Essay 30%

2. Social issue presentation and reflection 30%

3. Reflective journal based on weekly lectures 30%

4. Tutorial participation 10%

There is also a 'Critical thinking explanation' assessment but this does not contribute to your grade for the paper.

Across the paper there is a series of online tasks, designed to support you with your learning. All tasks will be accessed via Moodle, however, you will need to also use the library website (and actual physical library), and a range of webpages to help you complete this paper.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle is used for class notices (Announcements). It is your responsibility to check the site regularly and read the Moodle email notifications. Instructions provided in this way on Moodle and in lectures are whole class notices.

This is a 15 point paper. University regulations stipulate an expected total student workload for the paper of 150 hours. The paper involves 46 hours of face to face classes across the semester. The remaining hours, accumulated at different times across the whole semester, are to be used for completing readings, preparing for class/online tasks and assignments.