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Intercultural and inclusive approaches in educational contexts

Semester 1 · 500002 · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - Italian section · 12CP · IT


The course examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of education in contemporary contexts characterized by cultural pluralism, diversity, and social complexity. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, it explores processes of identity and cultural construction, the relationships between education, culture, and society, and the social and cultural dynamics shaping increasingly diverse educational settings. Particular attention is paid to intercultural dialogue, the recognition and appreciation of diversity, transcultural perspectives on childhood, and the design of inclusive educational practices based on the principles of equity, participation, and educational justice. The course develops students’ critical, analytical, and reflective skills, enabling them to design, implement, and evaluate educational interventions that effectively address the needs of individuals and communities in a variety of educational and social contexts.

Lecturers: Monica Adriana Parricchi, Vanessa Macchia, Dorothy Louise Zinn

Teaching Hours: 100
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: According to the Academic Regulations

Course Topics
See the individual course content

Teaching format
Participatory teaching through the use of slides, videos, research reports, articles and documents from books and journals. Flipped classroom, small and large group discussions and work.

Educational objectives
The course aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and critical-methodological tools to understand the complexity of educational processes in contemporary contexts characterized by cultural pluralism, diversity, and social change. The learning objective is to develop an integrated understanding of the pedagogical, anthropological, and intercultural dimensions of education, with particular attention to issues of inclusion and educational justice. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse educational dynamics in diverse contexts, recognizing the interactions between culture, society, and educational processes. They will also be able to design inclusive and intercultural educational interventions based on the principles of equity, participation, and the recognition of diversity. The course further aims to develop reflective, analytical, and planning competences useful for working in both formal and non-formal educational settings.

Assessment
The overall grade for the course is based on a final written examination and the seminar performance.

Evaluation criteria
The following aspects are taken into account in the assessment: relevance, logical organization, clarity of argumentation, appropriateness of terminology, and completeness of the answers. According to the Faculty Examination Regulations, a positive overall assessment of the course is only possible if each individual course component belonging to the course has also been passed. In the event of a negative overall assessment, any course components that have already been passed may, where applicable, be credited for the next examination attempt. Please note, however, that in this case as well, the negative assessment counts as an examination attempt. According to the applicable Examination Regulations, three unsuccessful examination attempts result in exclusion from the next three examination dates (see Art. 6, para. 4 of the applicable Examination Regulations).

Required readings

See the individual course content




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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

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Modules

Semester 1 · 500002A · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - Italian section · 4CP · IT

Module A — Anthropology for Early Childhood Education and Primary School

Starting from an anthropological perspective on childhood, the course introduces some key themes of anthropological research in educational contexts, with particular attention to childhood and its related school systems.

Lecturers: Dorothy Louise Zinn

Teaching Hours: 32
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Notes on the anthropology of childhood; education as cultural transmission; education and social reproduction; anthropological theories of school failure; ethnographic research in the classroom and in educational institutions; minorities in school; anthropological perspectives on "race" and racism; communities of practice as educational contexts.

Teaching format
Lecture; discussion; audiovisual material; possible in-class exercises

Required readings

Selected chapters from the following texts (exact indications will be provided through the OLE):

 

--LeVine R. e New R., a cura di  2009 Antropologia e infanzia. Sviluppo, cura, educazione: studi classici e contemporanei. Raffaello Cortina Editore.

--Tassan M. 2020  Antropologia per insegnare. Diversità culturale e processi educativi. Zanichelli.

--Benadusi, M. 2017 La scuola in pratica. Prospettive antropologiche sull’educazione. Editpress.

--Frisina A., Farina F.G. e Surian A. a cura di 2021 Antirazzismo e scuole. Padova University Press.



Supplementary readings

N/A



Semester 1 · 500002B · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - Italian section · 4CP · IT

Module B — Intercultural Pedagogy

The lecture aims to provide students with theoretical and practical tools to navigate the complexity of educational contexts in multicultural settings. To this end, it explores the main pedagogical theories and methodological approaches to intercultural education.
In addition to developing cultural competences, the course seeks to enhance students’ ability to analyze educational needs and design appropriate educational interventions. Particular attention is given to strengthening argumentative and communicative skills, both in oral form and through the use of multimedia tools.

Lecturers: Monica Adriana Parricchi

Teaching Hours: 32
Lab Hours: 0

Semester 1 · 500002C · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - Italian section · 1CP · IT

Module C — Intercultural Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education and Primary School (sem.)

The contents of intercultural pedagogy addressed in the lectures are further developed in the seminar through practical examples oriented toward pedagogical action. Particular attention is given to fields of intervention in early childhood and primary education, with the aim of applying the acquired competences appropriately to issues that arise in everyday educational practice, in collaboration with families, and within social and educational policy contexts.
The seminar also places specific focus on diversity, belonging, and equal opportunities, with reference to early childhood and primary school settings.

Teaching Hours: 12 Gruppo 1+2: da assegnare
Lab Hours: 0

Semester 1 · 500002D · 5 year master degree in Primary Education - Italian section · 3CP · IT

Module D — Pedagogy and Didactics of Inclusion in Early Childhood Education

The course addresses the foundations of inclusive education in early childhood settings, considering inclusion as a key educational principle. It promotes the design of learning experiences that value diversity and support the participation of all children. Special attention is given to accessible and supportive environments. The course fosters reflective and inclusive professional competence.

Lecturers: Vanessa Macchia

Teaching Hours: 24
Lab Hours: 0

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