PP7002 - Module 3: Theory and Professional Practices

Students will be facilitated to explore the different aspects of theory and the philosophy of research from a global, local, historical and contemporary perspective through a range of teaching and learning approaches. It is expected that individuals will share their study challenges and successes, understanding and experiences, which will be an integral part of the module, facilitating students to socially construct and critically appraise perceptions of their work. The module assessment will be a presentation on an aspect of professional practice, policy or development which challenges your own approach and philosophy, demonstrating your emerging knowledge and appraisal of your emerging theoretical positioning.

You will work in small groups and receive 1:1 tutorial support in discussing material, identifying research areas and constructing the assignment and written component. Students will be signposted to relevant reading and materials which will inform activities and are encouraged to engage with social media in following professional advances and aspects, which inform policy and practice. Taught sessions will be made available through Panopto.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Understand the breadth and complexity of the development of theory and its link to professional and cultural projects
2. Know that applications of theory vary between contexts

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

1. Critically explore and analyse professionally situated underpinning assumptions and practises
2. An ability to critique sources with rigour and consistency

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

1. Enhanced communication skills
2. Further developed project management skills

Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment will take place via group tasks and discussions throughout the module
MLOs: KU1, 2; IPSA 2; PVA 1

Feedback:
Feedback will be verbal by both tutor and peers.

Summative Assessment:
A recorded 30-minute presentation on an aspect of professional practice, policy or development which challenges your own approach and philosophy while drawing on theory as a lens to understand practice. 4500 word equivalent (slides & supporting notes)

MLOs: KU1 & 2; IPSA 1; PVA1

Feedback:
Written feedback against the criteria will be given by the tutor.

N/A

N/A

Critical Theory and Professional Practices will allow participants to use aspects of the broad theoretical school of thought and practice known as Critical Theory to analyse normative culture and practices in their own professional contexts. Using a Critical Theory lens and drawing on the diverse range of approaches and contributors to Critical Theory, students will be encouraged to analyse their professional practices and contexts and to uncover assumptions. Critical Theory seeks to empower individuals through a foregrounding of how assumptions, power structures and taken for granted practices can all contribute to disempowering of the individual. Through this module, students will be asked to consider these issues in relation to your own professional context and to use Critical Theory to allow students to analyse these phenomena in order to identify areas of professional practice which can be positively impacted through a dialogue about these assumptions.