EDUC 513 Ethics, Policy, & the Public Good
This seminar investigates the ethical, political, and institutional dimensions of contemporary education, with a focus on the relationship between schooling and the public good. Students examine how policy, governance, and moral philosophy intersect to shape educational practice, access, and equity. Through case studies, theoretical readings, and applied analysis, candidates explore the responsibilities of educators as ethical decision-makers and civic leaders within complex systems. The course emphasizes critical reflection on how professional choices and policy contexts influence justice, democracy, and the collective aims of education. The purpose of this course is to prepare graduate students to engage in ethical decision-making within the complex realities of educational systems. Candidates will examine how policies, institutional structures, and moral frameworks influence professional practice, and how educators navigate competing values, responsibilities, and constraints. Emphasis is placed on developing the capacity to analyze ethical dilemmas, interpret policy contexts, and make informed decisions that reflect a commitment to equity, justice, and the public good. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to act as thoughtful, principled professionals within educational and civic spaces. Offered in Spring.
Prerequisite
Matriculation in the Master of Education degree program.