Education (EDUC)

Foundations of U.S. Education is an introductory course in U.S. education through a study and analysis of the historical, sociological, philosophical, ethical, legal, and financial factors basic to the governance and practice of American education. Observations are required. It is designed to provide students who want to pursue careers in elementary or secondary education with knowledge of the philosophical theories, historical circumstances, political influences, ethical consideration, and societal elements which have uniquely shaped the educational system and the governance and operation of schools in America.

This course examines changes in the individual from conception through adolescence, including both typical and atypical aspects of physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social/emotional development. Traditional and contemporary theories, as well as current research and methodology, will form the basis of the course content.

This course presents students with knowledge on concepts in education (K-6) and approaches to the teaching profession for inclusive classrooms. Students will have an opportunity to explore the profession and what it entails through fieldwork. Emphasis is placed on students developing knowledge of social justice and the multicultural context in which education occurs in the U.S by examining the social, cultural, and political origins of contemporary schooling with a focus on schools as social institutions. Finally, the epicenter of this course is the role of teachers as both actor and subjects of educational reform movements. Field work may be required in this course.

Through a combination of lecture and hands-on projects, this course examines the philosophy, methodology, current social issues; how they are applied to social justice and questions, the basis of research methods with the goal of programmatic evaluation, and beginning the process of conducting research in the social sciences. This course emphasizes the unique contribution of interdisciplinary research (in disciplines such as but not limited to human services, early childhood education, anthropology, mental health, social work, sociology, and gerontology), the process of identifying challenges/questions, solutions, and application using real-world situations.

This course will examine the theories and practices of effective adult teaching and learning. The course includes the neuroscience that informs those theories; the theorists and their constructs; and practices based on those theories. This will be presented in the context of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging for the students in the course and for the audience with whom they will be working.