EDUC 101 Philosophy & Sociology of Education
The course explores how philosophy and sociology inform educational practice. Critical philosophical and sociological analyses are used to dissect fundamental educational issues of school organization, curriculum development, and instructional practice. The course explores the variety of philosophical stances and the sociocultural forces that shape and constrain K-12 grade education. The course targets three outcomes for students: (1) to gain an understanding of the complex forces that influence contemporary American schools (2) to critically question prevailing notions of teaching and schooling; and 3) to begin to develop and articulate a personal philosophy of education. In order to make the implications of the content concrete, students will spend six two hour classes in a local elementary classroom partnering with children and creating and delivering lessons on topics that reflect the content of the course. Offered every semester.