Sylabus

EDU 114: Comparative and International Education:
Looking at Education Through Non-Western Lenses
Fall 2011

Class Sessions:
Wednesdays, Aug 31-Dec 7, 2011
4:30-7:30 pm
Sheldon 337

Instructor: Leah Russell     Contact info: lrussell@oswego.edu  
Office Hours by appointment
****************************

Course Overview:
In this course, we will explore the role of education across global boundaries as we consider how culture, economics, and politics influences educational decision making.   In other words, we will ask how schools, classrooms, and teaching processes mirror the culture in which schools are embedded.   We will also consider how schools – including students and teachers – are held accountable and we will ask what it really means to be accountable.   To whom?   For what purposes?
We will focus our attention on educational processes in Africa and Asia, including the Middle East, so that we can begin to understand how different realities and perspectives impact and influence the role and place of schooling in society.   We will consider who has access to formal education, who controls educational access, curriculum and funding, and how educational success is defined, measured, and reported.

Goals of the course:  
As a result of participating in this course, you will be able to:

A. Demonstrate an understanding of how historical contexts (e.g., colonization; industrial development; local, national, and international trade and market forces) shaped and continues to shape formal educational structures. (KNOWLEDGE)

B. Explain how local economics, politics, and cultural realities contribute to country-specific educational policies, expectations, and curriculum. (KNOWLEDGE, REFLECTION)

C. Explain the complex relationship between politics, economics, cultural values, and globalization in international educational contexts. (KNOWLEDGE, REFLECTION, AUTHENTIC LEARNING, PRACTICE)

D. Compare, contrast, and interpret international... [continues]

Read full essay