This course offers an introductory and cross-disciplinary examination of historical
and contemporary issues related to education in urban America. Course readings and
discussion will focus on various perspectives in the field in order to understand
the key issues and debates confronting urban education. Students will examine historical,
philosophical, political, economic, and socio-cultural frameworks for understanding
urban schools, students, and teachers. The course is divided into three interrelated
themes. Typical urban education courses examine and apply urban education theories
without sufficiently studying the critical theories that ground said examination and
application. Tacking in a slightly different direction, one of the aims of this course
is to study theoretical frameworks that serve as the foundation for critical urban
education theory and practice. The first theme of the course, Introduction to Critical
Theories Applicable to Urban Education, introduces students to some of the canonical
texts written by critical theorists from a variety of perspectives. Moving from Theme
I to Theme II: Critical Analysis of Urban Education Philosophy, Policy, and Schooling,
students will read the work of urban education specialists who conduct critical analyses
of urban education realities in the United States. Because the aim of this course
is to not only critique current urban education realities, but re-imagine and transform
them, the course concludes with the study of Re-Imagining and Transforming 21st Urban
Education, the third and final theme of the course. Taken together, the three themes
of this course will empower urban educators to critically analyze and transform education
in Philadelphia and other urban settings.
Typically offered in Summer. (3 Credits)
In this course students will examine the concepts and practices of education emerging
from urban social struggles in urban North, Central, and South America. The diversity
of populations in Latin American cities and the region's political, cultural, and
economic achievements and challenges have shaped unique education philosophies and
practices. Likewise, a variety of education philosophies and practices within the
region have had enormous sociological, political, and economic impacts on the region's
populations, especially in urban centers. The principle aim of this course is to begin
an exploration of Latin American philosophies of education and their potential impact
on urban education. Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating the different
ways that philosophers of Latin American education have conceptualized education as
a (trans)formative and liberatory process.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. (3 Credits)
This course offers an advanced overview of the principles and practices of environmental
and sustainability education as they apply to formal and non-formal urban contexts.
The course is designed to engage the student in an exploration of how environmental
and sustainability education can contribute to urban sustainability. The focus is
on perspectives and practices that foster individual and community well-being in urban
contexts.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring. (3 Credits)
