Welcome to Education 302: Educational Issues and Social Change II—Current Debates, a three-credit intermediate-level course that examines the interplay between the education system and socio-political issues. In this course, we use different theoretical approaches to examine specific sociological concepts (including “hidden curriculum,” “cultural hegemony,” “social reproduction” and “equality”) that illustrate the complexities of the relationship between the education system and race or ethnicity, class and gender.

The course begins by outlining the contending views and interests in education, focusing on the rise of neo-conservative ideology. It examines how these socio-political, ideological and philosophical changes have affected the roles and responsibilities of teachers. It also considers the problems of teaching in a pluralist society, particularly one based on concepts of multiculturalism and equality.

Students who are interested in other topics in education may wish to visit the Educational Studies website.