SiN FRASER UNIVERSITY
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I
Fall Semester 1998
EDUC 240 - 3
?
S. Edelman
Social Issues in Education ?
Office: AHCOTE
Location: Northern Lights College, ?
Tel: ?
(250) 785-6981
Times:
Fort St.
FridaJohn yCampus
s 9:00 am
?
to 12 noon
D02.00
PREREQUISITE
None.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the study of public education as a social institution. Issues covered include the social
functions of the school; education and socialization; social, political, economic and cultural influences on the institutions
and practices of education.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1.
To encourage students to develop a more profound understanding of the school as a social institution.
2.
To study the effects current social issues are having on the school system.
3.
To apply a case study approach to the examination of social, political, economic and cultural influences on schools,
teachers, students and curriculum.
TOPICS
• The functions and dysfunctions of education
• Critical theory and education
• Academic freedom, human rights issues (e.g., sexism, racism, heterosexism) and class bias in schools
• Schooling, Social Control and Socialization
• "Getting Down to Cases"
Students will explore general, theoretical social issues related to education and apply this knowledge to specific case
studies and decision making.
EVALUATION
1. Two Essays (20% each) - 40%
2.
Midterm Exam - 25%
3. Final Exam - 25%
4. Participation - 10%
Note: The first essay will be a critical analysis of a selected educational issue. The second essay will involve a
self-evaluation profile within the context of a case study analysis.
REQUIRED READINGS
Ghosh, Ratna & Ray, Douglas (eds.) (1995). Social Change and Education in Canada. Toronto, ON: Harcourt Brace.
Wassermann, Selma (1993). Getting Down to Cases. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
RECOMMENDED (Reserved)
Gatto, John (1992). Dumbing Us Down. Gabriola Island, B.C.: New Society Publishers.
Barlow, Maude & Robertson, Heather-Jane (1994). Class Warfare. Toronto, ON: Key Porter Books
Webber, Marlene (1991). Street Kids. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press.
Knockwood, Isabelle (1992). Out of the Depths. Lockeport, Nova Scotia: Roseway Publishing.
