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EDUCATION 240-3 ?

SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

Fall Semester, 1988

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Instructor:

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Mark Selman

Tuesdays and Thursdays

10:30 - 11:20 & Tutorials

Location: AQ3154

PREREQUISITE:

None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is concerned with the roles and functions of educational institutions and their

effects on individuals and society. Some of the major theories for explaining the place of

educational institutions in society will be examined and used to explore major areas of controversy

in educational theory, research, and practice. Issues to be considered include racism, sexism,

standardized testing, the relationship between educational and economic achievement, and the

role of the social sciences in educational policy. Special attention will be paid to issues of current

interest in British Columbia. The course will be primarily in lecture format with some short films,

guest lectures and discussions.

PURPOSE:

To engage students in critical reflection of the purposes, practices and outcomes of

educational policies and institutions. Students will learn about the multiplicity of theoretical,

political, and ethical perspectives and how the adoption of certain perspectives serves to highlight

some aspects of education and to obscure others.

TOPICS:

Social Theories: Functionalism, Conflict theory, and Interpretive Approaches

Ethics and Social Justice

The effects of educational policies and practices on: racism, sexism, social class, and culture

The role of educational research

Issues in B.C.: including privatization, local control, excellence and effectiveness, testing, and

thinking skills.

READINGS:

W. Feinberg & J.S. Soltis. (1985). School and Society. Teachers' College Press and selected

articles on reserve.

Evaluation will include both essays and exams. Schedule of assignments will be made available at

the first class.

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Centre for Distance Education

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Faculty of Education

Simon., Fraser University

MPX 8548 ?

291-3524

EDUCATION 240-3

SOCIAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION

This course introduces students to the study of public education as a social institution

in terms of its origins, character, consequences, and possible future. Students are

encouraged to explore, analyze and raise questions concerning issues such as the

aims and practices of public schooling, education and socialization, streaming and

testing, school knowledge and social class, racism and sexism in education.

PREREQUISITE: None.

REQUIRED TEXT:

There is no required text. All required readings are contained in the Course Reader,

which is available from the Centre for Distance Education.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Five essay assignments are required. Each assignment is worth 20% of the final

grade.