EDUCATION 240-3 ?

SOCIAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION

Regular Summer Semester, 1990

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Instructor: ?

Dr. R. Fransila

(May 7 - August 3)

Mondays & Tutorials

5:30 - 7:20 p.m.

Location: Harbour Centre HC 1415

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines current issues related to the roles and functions of educational

institutions and the social, political and economic contexts which may have precipitated

these issues. Some of the major social theories and their possible impact on school structures

will also be explored. Issues that emerge from within the system, from educators, school

boards, Ministries of Education, as well as from outside the system, from special interest

groups, from technological advances and from economic changes such as recession and

immigration, will be discussed. The course will incorporate lectures, presentations, debates

and audio/visual resources.

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PURPOSE

To enhance students' knowledge and understanding of current issues in educational

institutions, particularly in B.C. schools, and the social, political and economic forces that

may have influenced school policy. The tenability of social theories relative to practice in

schools will also be explored.

TOPICS

The following are some of the topics that will be addressed:

- The B.C. Ministry of Education Year 2000 document

- Special Education: Gifted Education; Learning Disabilities;

- Behaviour Disorders; Mainstreaming

- Social Theories Impacting School Policies and Practices

- Multiculturalism: Language issues (French immersion and Heritage

languages); Minority cultures; Racism

- Equality of Access: gender, adults, religion, social and economic status

- Public and Private education

- Accountability - Teachers, Students, Parents, Community

- Curriculum Relevance

- Role of Technology

- Physical Environment of Schools

- Funding

TEXTS

No textbook is required. Readings will be made available on a loan basis and a

reference list will be supplied.

REQUIREMENTS

1. ASSIGNED READINGS

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4. SUMMARY AND CRITIQUE OF READINGS

2. MAJOR PAPER

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RELATED TO ISSUES IN A SELECTED AREA

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ORAL PRESENTATION

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5. PARTICIPATION IN ONE DEBATE

6. REGULAR ATTENDANCE