Meghan Murray

This course will explore the complex and evolving concept of education through multiple lenses, including theoretical, historical, political, sociological, and cultural perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the historical roots of public education in the United States, with particular attention to the Progressive Era and the lasting influence of educators such as John Dewey. Students will engage with a variety of texts, films, and projects to investigate the role of diversity in education, focusing on issues of race, class, language, culture, gender, and ability. Through these explorations, students will grapple with key questions around democracy, equity, and educational reform while also connecting historical movements to present-day debates on standardization, accountability, and political influence in schooling. A critical component of the course will involve personal reflection, encouraging students to draw connections between their own educational experiences and broader structural and philosophical frameworks.