EDFN 749 -- THE SCHOOL IN MODERN SOCIETY

Instructor: Alan Wieder

136 Wardlaw

777-6519

awieder@gwm.sc.edu

Office Hours: Before and after class and anytime by appointment.

 

I. Course Description

This course addresses the relationship between schooling and society through an interdisciplinary focus using history, sociology and philosophy. The class format is a combination of lecture and discussion of the ideas and issues listed below. Each theme is studied from an historical and present perspective. Class discussions will also include analysis of the course texts. Each of the books connects school and societal issues. Students are encouraged to question and comment on the issues and themes presented in the course.

II. Goals and Objectives

1. To understand the relationship of school and society from an historical perspective.

2. To understand the relationship of school and society from a sociological perspective.

3. To understand the relationship of school and society from a cultural perspective.

4. To understand the relationship of school and society from a biographical perspective.

5. To understand the relationship of school and society from a political perspective.

6. To understand the relationship of school and society from a global perspective.

7. To engage in discussion of educational issues and ideas.

8. To engage in written exercises on educational issues and ideas.

9. To become familiar with scholarly literature on issues and education.

III. Required Texts and Readings

Spring, American Eduction

Michie, Holler if You Hear Me

Wieder, Race and Education

Various journal articles

IV. Academic Requirements

Four to Six page (double-spaced/12 font) reaction papers on course texts. (each 1/4 of grade)

Holler if You Hear Me due February 17

Race and Education due April 6

Midterm examination (Class discussions and Spring) March 2 (1/4 of grade)

Final examination (Class Discussion and Spring) April 27 (1/4 of grade)

V. Administrative Requirements

Students are obligated to complete all assigned work promptly, to attend class regularly, and to participate in class discussion. Attendance policy is mandated by the university.

VI. Evaluation and Grading

See section IV. Each assignment will be evaluated for breadth and depth. In reaction papers and the final examination students are to argue logically and support their position.

VII. Topical Outline

Introduction to Course Topics and Requirements

Ideology and Education

Purposes of Schooling/Social,Political,Economic

Education for Morality

Education for Selection

Education for Order

Progressive Education

Social Class and Education

Visual Sociological Portrayals

Education and the Pathological Model

Culture of Poverty and Deprivation

Race and Education

Psychology of Bigotry

School Integration -- A Case Study

Afrocentrisms in American Education

Issues of Global Education

 

 

 

 

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