Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) winner

Educational curriculum plays a crucial role in shaping students' worldview and understanding of societal issues, including social justice and politics. This research proposal aims to investigate how the provincial curricula in British Columbia (BC) and Alberta reflect the broader politics of each province and examine their influence on youths' perspectives on social justice issues. By reviewing relevant literature on curriculum and social justice pedagogy and conducting surveys among students, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the differing effects of curricula on youths' perspectives regarding equity, welfare, human rights, and self-esteem.

This research project holds several important implications. Firstly, it will contribute to our understanding of the relationship between curriculum and students' perspectives on social justice, providing valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and curriculum developers. Secondly, it will shed light on the ways in which provincial politics shape the educational experiences and worldview of youth, highlighting the importance of considering political factors in curriculum development. Finally, the findings of this research can inform efforts to improve social justice education, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

-Mackenzie Duggan, the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) winner for 2023-2024.

Details of the program can be found on the JCURA website page.