EDF: Educational Foundations

EDF 199. Educational Foundations Transfer Credits. 1-10 Credits.

Transfer Credits

Repeatable for credit.

EDF 255. Evolution of Schooling in U.S.. 3 Credits.

An examination of the historical evolution and contemporary purposes, practices, and structures of schooling in the United States. Students will investigate the political, sociological, and economic motivators in the origin, maintenance, and reform of American schooling. In addition, students utilize the course's historical context to engage in an examination of contemporary issues in American schooling, specific attention will be given to the impact of current educational reforms on the theory and practice of early childhood education.

Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary Requirement

EDF 300. Democracy and Education. 3 Credits.

A study of the philosophical, historical and sociological issues related to American education. The course places schools within the context of the larger American society and asks to what degree can and should schools serve as agents for creating a more just and democratic society.

Gen Ed Attribute: Interdisciplinary Requirement

EDF 360. Public Pedagogy & Social Change. 3 Credits.

An exploration of the concept of public pedagogy and education that takes place outside of traditional, compulsory schooling. Students will consider topics such as learner-specific and self-directed learning, empowered and critical pedagogy, traditions of education for control versus liberation, as well as the role and characteristics of education within social movements past and present. Special focus on the emergence of radical informal learning spaces as sites of empowerment and social transformation.

EDF 490. Capstone in Educational Studies. 3 Credits.

The Educational Studies capstone course employs the knowledge attained in previous courses at West Chester University resulting in creating a researched, designed, and demonstrated educational experience. Students will be expected to identify and analyze a problem that might be addressed via an educational experience. Students will undertake a comprehensive review of the relevant literature related to their chosen concern, explain the theoretical position of their analysis, and employ a clear curricular theory in designing a unique, pedagogical intervention. Building on previous courses, students will be assisted in the development of relevant pedagogical and oral communication skills and will be asked to employ these skills in the demonstration of their program (in whole or in part) for their peers.

EDF 490 Prerequisite: Successful completion of ERM 351 with minimum grade of D-; and senior standing (90 completed credits).