Details for CRS532 Curriculum Studies – Studies of Religion

This subject prepares pre-service teachers to teach a comparative religions course such as the New South Wales Studies of Religion syllabus for Years 11-12 developed by NESA. It is designed to advance knowledge and understanding of key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in the teaching of Studies of Religion. It examines current developments in the theory and practice of Studies of Religion education. Students will work independently, collaboratively and interdependently to develop their capabilities in planning and implementing appropriate curriculum and pedagogy in light of Christian and alternate worldviews. The subject aims to develop students’ knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects; engage with a range of pedagogical approaches and provides opportunities for the pre-service teachers to design learning and teaching sequences and assessment tools informed by research.  

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: CRS532
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

A major in social sciences in areas such as studies in religion (preferably comparative religions) and culture. 

EDU407 Foundations in Christian Education. 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of Australian and State educational policies and priorities and their effect on implementing ‘best practice’ teaching strategies and engaging resources fulfil the aims of the NSW Studies of Religion Syllabus (Stage 6); 
2. Describe in detail the origins, principal beliefs, sacred texts and writings, ethical systems and personal devotion in the home from one of the five religious traditions – its  organisation, the teacher’s role involving support, mentoring, professional development goals, curriculum administration, WHS, and engaging with parents/carers, professional and external community organisations in the teaching of Year 11-12 NSW Studies of Religion Syllabus in both Christian and alternate school contexts;
3. Develop student-centred innovative and well-designed lesson sequences (links with other social science disciplines, skills development, and knowledge acquisition, literacy and numeracy demands of the content including the general capabilities and cross curriculum priorities, and differentiates for the full range of student abilities, and diverse backgrounds (multilingual and sociocultural), providing explicit strategies to support students’ wellbeing and safety- legally and educationally, in a range of school contexts; 
4. Design and critically reflect upon, lesson sequences, and curriculum materials using threshold concepts and skills development, knowledge acquisition and signature pedagogies that incorporate ICT, Quality Teaching Framework, and Great Teaching Inspired Learning using Understanding by Design;  
5. Prepare and critically reflect upon a variety of assessment instruments using ‘best practice’ that demonstrate understanding of statistical information, assessment moderation and its application to judge student achievement through assessment of learning, for learning and in learning. Develop examples which could be used to reliably report to parents/carers and professionals. Prepare and assess the integrating of assessment strategies, unit evaluation, course evaluation, and HSC examination. 

Subject Content

1. NESA Studies of Religion Stage 6 
2. Values and human issues; Community Participation; Teacher professional associations
3. Teaching Studies of Religion Stage 6; Teacher Decision Making; Teaching General Capabilities; Teaching for the range of abilities; Teaching for Diverse Settings 
4. Teacher program development; Teacher decision making
5. Models Supporting Assessment 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face on site (extensive)
• Face to face on site (intensive)
• E-learning (online/asynchronous)
• E-learning (online/synchronous)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Multimedia Resources (30%)
2. Lesson Plan Sequence (30%)
3. Assessing a Unit of Work (40%)

Prescribed Text