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Course Descriptions

EDU 200 - Foundations of Education

3 Credits

This course will explore the U.S. educational system through a social justice and equity lens, focusing on race, class, and gender. Topics include the social, political, and economic goals of education; legal issues in public education; institutional bias and the opportunity gap; and an examination of local school systems. Students will also analyze the historical, philosophical, and socio-cultural roots of U.S. education and its influence on diverse student populations, current trends and educational practices. Through the exploration of various topics and educational philosophies, students will compose their own philosophy of teaching statements.

Prerequisite OR Corequisite: EDU 100;

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-WC - Western Civilization (SWCV)

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze the historical foundations of schooling in the United States.
2. Analyze the philosophical foundations of schooling in the United States.
3. Analyze the sociological foundations of schooling in the United States.
4. Create a personal philosophy of teaching statement.
5. Evaluate the historical neglect by the U. S. public education system on diverse student populations (race, class, gender).
6. Discuss the impact that historical neglect of marginalized students has had on their education.
7. Identify the residual impact that historical neglect of marginalized students has had on the current educational system in the United States.
8. Identify influences that guide curriculum decisions in schools.
9. Analyze current trends impacting education.
10. Identify current public education policies designed to provide equal educational opportunities to a diverse student population.
11. Analyze legal issues that impact education today.
12. Compose a researched analysis of educational policies.
13. Present a researched analysis of educational policies.

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025