Education Studies Fall 2008 Course Offerings

Education 170: Foundations of Education
(Includes field experience) This course establishes a liberal arts foundation for the study of education as a discipline. This course focuses on major points of view drawn from historical and contemporary American education and those knowledge bases which influence educational decisions. Philosophical, historical, political and economic and sociological foundations are examined as bases for present and future systems of education in America. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 222: Developmental Theories in Education
(Includes field experience) Developmental Theories in Education is an introduction to the work of major theorists who have shaped how we view change and growth across the lifespan. The course examines traditional theories of cognitive, psychosocial, and moral development, as well as contemporary work that accounts for our understandings of gender and race as identities and social processes. This backdrop of theory serves as a critical lens for exploring the roles of creativity, ways of knowing, intelligence, memory, motivation, community, and stigma in human development. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 223: Deconstructing Difference-Education and Society
(includes field experience) This course is an investigation of the cultural foundations of American Education and examines the challenges that issues of cultural and cognitive differences pose to the learning process. It focuses on the existing definitions of knowledge, identity, community, inclusion, equity and the distribution of power. Students will deconstruct these complex concepts as they relate to labeling, learning, privilege, integration, assimilation, academic achievement, social justice, school policy, accountability and reform. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 290: Topics
Study of theoretical and policy topics and issues related to education studies. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 322: Thinking, Learning, and Ways of Knowing
Issues related to thinking, understanding, and intellectual development are explored. Recent research and current thought in the field will be analyzed and debated to gain insights into cognition and the relationship to the themes of social justice and equity, critical thinking, and leadership. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 332: Artistic Dimensions of Teaching
Explores the artistic dimensions of teaching and examines the relationships between teaching and performing as an art form. Topics such as creativity, attitude, perception and intuition are covered. Unique parallels are drawn between classrooms and other educational settings and theater, with a specific focus on the teacher role. Activities include pantomime, role playing and oral interpretation as vehicles to improve self-confidence, voice and positive approaches to the nuances of the classroom. May not be taken pass/ fail.

Education 399: Deschooling: Rediscovery of the Joy of Learning
This course examines what lifelong learning might look at various life stages. Students design and implement a personal learning project based on their individual needs and interests. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 411/412: Directed Study in Education Studies
Independent study. Prerequisite: by permission of instructor. May not substitute for existing course. May not be taken pass/fail.

Education 415: American Public School Law
American Public School Law examines the legal framework and governance of public education in the United States, as well as court decisions and legal issues affecting the schools, school personnel, parents and students. Current and historical legal issues will be examined including those involving the instructional program; student rights involving speech, expression, and privacy; students with disabilities; discrimination; the rights of parents; and teacher rights and freedoms.   May not be taken pass/fail.