This class will examine foundational questions about education (e.g., What is education?) and will also investigate the philosophical implications of the history of schooling and compulsory schooling in the United States. We will read and watch texts that include literature, history, social criticism, and more. Students will also carry out observations in local schools or alternative educational settings. The historical and philosophical components will be integrated with a study of contemporary educational issues of school reform, and will include the history of schooling for diverse multicultural groups. A variety of contemporary issues driving the current schooling reform will be studied including: multicultural, bi-lingual, and special education reforms and their impact on the high school; curricular reform (including multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary curriculum); and issues around the reform of instruction and assessments in the education of high school students. The required technology thread includes use of the computer to create word documents, manage electronic files, and Moodle effectively. The field component contains working with special needs students (10 hours).
Note: Open to any student; students interested in Teacher Education are encouraged to take EDU 201 in the sophomore year. Required of juniors admitted to the program. This course is offered in the fall and spring semesters. Course is cross-listed in Philosophy and can be counted as a History/Philosophy/ Religion distribution credit.
