Courses in Social and Cultural Studies
These courses provide historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives for interpreting education, through consideration of general educational theory and policy in addition to providing courses that can meet various certification requirements. Students may combine these courses, in consultation with their program of study committee, to create a PhD concentration in Social and Cultural Studies in Education. These courses may also be used to fulfill the college-wide Foundations requirement.
BEF 503 History of American Education
An interpretive history of the educational and social movements and
conflicts leading to understanding contemporary issues of educational
aims, curriculum, teaching methodology, administrative policy, and the
professionalization of teaching. Offered in alternative semesters and
in summer school.
BEF 504 Philosophy of Education
An examination into the meaning and purpose of education in light of
major philosophical problems of knowledge, value, and reality. Offered
in alternate semesters and in summer school.
BEF 507 Sociology of Education
A sociological emphasis on cultural factors (such as ethnic background;
socioeconomic status; family, peers, and community; and sex-role stereotyping)
that influence education in a pluralistic society.
BEF 510 Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
Prerequisite: Admission to an alternative certification program or permission
of the instructor. Education is necessarily concerned with issues of
value, knowledge, and reality - philosophy. Yet these concerns are always
understood from the vantage point of cultures in transition within the
framework of a social tradition - sociology and history. This course
examines the development of the public school in relation to the social,
cultural, and intellectual makeup of the nation as a whole.
BEF 512 Church, State, and the School
Selected aspects of the anthropological and sociological foundations
of education, with a critical evaluation of their relevance for increasing
and/or enhancing multicultural understanding.
BEF 534 Multicultural Education
Selected aspects of the anthropological and sociological foundations
of education, with a critical evaluation of their relevance for increasing
and/or enhancing multicultural understanding.
BEF 575 Foundations of Education through Film
One of the most powerful media for awakening and reflecting on ideas
is film. This course uses various films with educational themes to examine
social and philosophical issues in education.
BEF 581 Educational Policy and Reform
A focus on the relation of the public school to the state, on the principles
of education, and on the possibilities for reform.
BEF 585 Language Politics and Education
The course covers the history and politics behind the English-only movement
and its effect on education for language minority students. Informed
by international comparisons, second language acquisition theory, and
effectiveness studies, the pros/cons of bilingual and English only policies
are analyzed.
BEF 599 Thesis Research
BEF 607 Readings in Sociology of Education
Individualized readings in the sociology of education, with a focus
on the educator as reflective practitioner and facilitator of learning.
BEF 639 Educational Theory and Policy
A critique of educational theory - learning, curricular, instructional,
administrative - and its implications for policy making.
BEF 640 Studies in the History of Education
A critical examination of significant events, movements, or individuals
in the history of education.
BEF 641 Studies in the Social Foundations of Education
A special topics course providing an in-depth analysis of important
individuals, theories, and contemporary issues in the social foundations
of education.
BEF 642 Studies in the Philosophy of Education
This course provides in-depth analyses of important individuals, ideas,
or concepts that have helped to develop, expand, or shed light on our
philosophical understandings of the myriad and contested purposes, policies,
and practices of schooling.
BEF 644 Philosophy of Science and Its Relation to Educational
Research
An inquiry into the basic assumptions and principles underlying scientific
research in education. Offered spring semester.
BEF 653 History of American Higher Education
A critical interpretation of the institutional development of American
higher education and its cultural and intellectual roots.
BEF 654 Philosophy and American Higher Education
An analysis of the language, concepts, and value judgments embedded
in higher education policy issues.
BEF 667 Multicultural and Social Education for Leadership
Personnel
An advanced inquiry into contemporary social and cultural dimensions
of education and their relationships to leadership. Includes issues
of diversity, gender, ethnicity, pluralism, and equality.
BEF 681 Ethics and Education
An exploration and examination of traditional and contemporary ethical
issues confronting educational leaders, managers, and teachers at all
levels of the educational process. Emphasis on an interdisciplinary
approach to foundations in ethical theory and establishing a conceptual
framework for the resolution of moral and ethical questions prevalent
across the education spectrum.
BEF 698 Nonthesis Research
Individual research in history, philosophy, or sociology of education.