Cultural Foundations
Study in this area provides educators and policy makers with theoretical and methodological knowledge drawn from qualitative inquiry, curriculum theory, anthropology, instructional theory, international studies, cultural studies and history. Students selecting this specialization can apply this knowledge to study and affect practice in multiple social and cultural contexts.
Within this area, faculty offer focused study in a number of areas within educational foundations including:
- Curriculum and Instruction - The study of Curriculum & Instruction forms a nexus of theoretical and historical study across an array of issues and discourses in the critical analysis of curriculum, instruction, policy and history as related to educational practice and the education of teachers. The section offers multiple courses in both Curriculum Theory (860, 865, 833) and Instruction (864, 869).
- Diversity Studies - Diversity offers a critical analysis of multiple perspectives on culture, diversity and gender in local, regional and global contexts of education and in formal and informal settings. As indicated, Diversity studies is not only a substantive area of study, but a unifying thematic across the curriculum of the section. The section offers multiple diversity related courses and course constellations including gender (760, 853, 849, 852, 871, 904), history, education, and race (834, 863), and urban education (789).
- Comparative Studies - Comparative Studies of Education affords a critical examination of education around the world, using approaches from history and the social sciences. The section offers multiple courses in Comparative Studies including 717, 801, 802, & 821.