Dec 09, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education Studies, B.A.


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About the Major


Education Studies is a cross-disciplinary field that considers learning, teaching, and schooling as lenses through which to understand social processes and contexts. This major conceptualizes education broadly, recognizing that the study of education can serve a variety of purposes, apply to diverse demographic groups, and be situated within a range of institutional and social contexts.

As a course of study, Education Studies can offer students the chance to explore topics such as human development, education policy, the history of schooling, educational research methodology, learning theory, the sociology of education, and urban education, among others. The major can prepare students for a wide assortment of jobs in schools and afterschool programs, non-profit institutions, international development agencies, cultural institutions, and government. It can also serve as a solid foundation for advanced graduate work in education, sociology, anthropology, psychology, history, political science, or international studies.

Concentrations


The curriculum consists of four concentrations. Each student will select one of these concentrations and then complete the required courses’ nine strands, as detailed below. In addition to these strands, students will complete a series of concentration courses related to their chosen concentration and a special 3-credit course to complete their capstone project, all with the guidance and supervision of a faculty advisor.

Education Policy Concentration focuses on understanding how decisions that shape the focus, content, and institutional structures of education are made and how various stakeholder groups engage in this decision-making process.

Global and Comparative Education Concentration asks students to think critically about the similarities and differences between educational systems and approaches around the globe.

Children and Youth Concentration draws on the field of Childhood Studies, examining childhood and youth as socially constructed categories that are shaped by and that shape their social context.

Teaching and Learning Concentration takes a deep and expansive theoretical and practical perspective on what it means to teach and learn, exploring various conceptions of pedagogy and theories of learning.

Requirements


Students are required to take at least 52 credits to fulfill the major, with at least 33 credits coming from School of Education courses.

Introduction to Education


Research Methods


  • ED4XX: Teacher Inquiry and Writing (4 credits)
  • An additional 3 or 4 credit research methods course in Education, Anthropology, Sociology, History, or Psychology (see adviser for list of approved choices).

History of Education


  • One 3 or 4 credit course in any department about any aspect of the history of education (see adviser for list of approved choices).

Theories of Knowledge, Learning, and Development


  • One 3 or 4 credit course in any department that examines learning or development (see adviser for list of approved choices).

Social Theory


  • Any two 3 or 4 credit courses in any university department(s) that cover social theory (see adviser for list of approved choices).

Identity and Inequality


Place


  • One 3 or 4 credit course from across the university that considers issues of place, location, or geography as they relate broadly to the field of education (see adviser for list of approved choices).

Fieldwork/Application


One or more fieldwork experiences related to the student’s chosen concentration. These can be completed through credit-bearing internships, international service experiences, or courses that require a minimum of 20 hours of fieldwork.

Five Concentration Courses


A minimum of five courses from anywhere in the university that directly relate in some way to the student’s chosen concentration, to be chosen in consultation with the adviser.

Elective Courses (optional)


  • Students may opt to take electives to further pursue their interests and/or meet the 52 credit minimum for the major.

Capstone Project


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