A History of Ideas in Education

In this discussion based course, we will explore the theoretical and historical contexts of major concepts, forces, and ideas that have shaped (and continue to shape) teaching, learning, and educational processes in the United States. The course is designed to enable graduate students to experience an escape from the kind of conversation that simply aims at increasing educational efficiency. We will survey major historical and theoretical works and investigate why certain philosophical, social, and political ideas gained prominence at particular times. Using the methodologies of intellectual historians, students will trace the histories of current educational ideas for a deeper understanding of the concepts and processes of teaching, learning, and schooling.

Fall, Spring