Curriculum Design Through an Ecological Lens: A Case Study in Law and Social Work Education

Abstract

This paper explores the adoption of ecology, in both a discipline sense and as an analogy for a holistic approach to understanding discipline knowledge and practice, as a thematic lens through which to view curricula in the professional disciplines of law and social work. While an ecological discourse offers a rich conceptual foundation for learning and practice (Orr, 1992; Hill, Wilson & Watson, 2004; Kahn, 2010), it is arguably a novel approach for those steeped in the traditions of our respective disciplines and presents a number of challenges for effective integration into professional curricula.

Keywords: sustainability, ecology, legal education, social work education, pedagogy, curriculum