A consideration of issues that influence the manner in which literacy research is conducted and applied. Course Overview The field of literacy education relies heavily on research to establish philosophies, values, and practices.
Educators sometimes treat research as a monolith of truth.
Thus, the phrase research shows . . . is often used when an educator is attempting to make a point, as though an argument will be settled when research is invoked. To the contrary, arguments are inherent within literacy education research. The purpose of this course, then, is to enable students to understand the competing viewpoints, methodologies, and theoretical lenses which reside in literacy education research and which influence the direction research takes. In addition, this course will explore the ways in which literacy education research is socially constructed and politically influenced. Recognize the influence of epistemological and theoretical stances upon researchers work.