Course Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of American education. Through readings and engagement in course discussions, students will critically examine the evolution of educational practices and policies from colonial times to the present to understand the impact of key historical movements and figures on education today.. Through weekly discussions and assignments, students will explore various educational philosophies, including perenialism, essentialism, progressivism, and social reconstructivism, and how history shapes societal views. Additionally, students will analyze the role of social factors such as culture, politics, and economics in shaping American education today. (3 credits)
Prerequisite
- None
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Analyze historical, philosophical, social, legal, and political foundations of American education and explain their implications for curriculum and instructional practice. (InTASC 1, 2, 7; CAEP A1.1, RA1.1)
- Apply foundational educational theories and reform movements to the design of inclusive, equitable curriculum frameworks. (InTASC 4, 7, 8; CAEP A1.1, A1.4, RA3.1)
- Evaluate the influence of culture, governance, finance, and accountability systems on educational opportunity and student outcomes. (InTASC 3, 10; CAEP RA1.2, RA2.1)
- Synthesize foundational perspectives to propose standards‑aligned, inclusive curriculum and instructional solutions for real‑world educational contexts. (InTASC 5, 6, 9; CAEP A1.1, RA3.4)
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) | 25% |
Blogs/Vlogs Discussions (Week 1-8) | 25% |
Assignments (Weeks 1-7) | 25% |
Final Project (Week 8) | 25% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
(Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle):
- Kaplan, L. S., & W. A. Owings (2021). Foundations of Education. (3rd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-4 | Topic: Teachers and the Future
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2 | 1-4 | Topic: Philosophy of Education
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3 | 1-4 | Topic: Historical Foundations of American Public Education
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4 | 1-4 | Topics: Educational Reform and Competing Goals of Public Education
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5 | 1-4 | Topics: Causes of the Achievement Gap and Diversity and Cultural Assets in Education
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6 | 1-4 | Topics: Teachers, Ethics, and the Law
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7 | 1-4 | Topics: School Governance, Structure, and Finance
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8 | 1-4 | Topic: Curriculum & Instruction and Standards, Assessment, & Accountability
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.