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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

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EDUC24O-3 ?

SOCIAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION

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D02.00

Instructor: Dr. Zahra Montazer

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Phone: 250-782-5251

Dawson Creek Campus

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email: montazer@,nlc.bc.ca

Fall 2003

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Office: 3301

PREREQUISITE: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces students to a number of sociocultural issues affecting the procedures, and

conditions of our education. Students' reflection on the subject matter will be stimulated by

studying perspectives and thoughts on education issues and application of fruitful dialogues and

critical thinking. In addition to reviewing the impact of social issues on education generally, we

will focus particularly on selected themes including: issues arising from gender; issues arising

from ethnic and cultural differences; and issues deriving from the position of First Nations

peoples within Canadian society.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course intends to improve students' ability to read critically, to evaluate and analyze the

available perspectives in the field and to relate them to educational -system within which they

will work, and to contribute effectively to the shaping of the profession of which they will be a

member.

COURSE EVALUATION:

Written responses to reading material ?

30%

Oral Presentations ?

30%

Final exam/dissertation ?

30%

Participation in class activities and discussions

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10%

Written responses:

(4 written responses, in-class or take home, 7.5% each).

Take home assignments must be two pages long, typed double space, 12 font. They are to be

handed to the instructor in each meeting. They will be evaluated according to university criteria.

Clear and critical exposition of arguments and association of ideas from textbooks and personal

experience. Students will be notified in advance whether written responses would have to be

completed in class or taken home.

Oral Presentation: Possible topics for the oral presentation will be explored during the class.

Final exam OR dissertation:

Students will be notified of the final exam requirements in class. A

final dissertation will be assigned in the absence of a final exam. Final dissertation must be 6-8

pages long, typed doubled space, 12 font. It will be evaluated according to university standards.

REQUIRED READING:

EDUC 240 Custom courseware