Government 375: Ideology and Politics in Education Reform

David C. Paris, KJ 216, 4615.

Office hours: R 1:30-4, and by appointment.

Syllabus: http://academics.hamilton.edu/government/dparis/govt375/spring99/syllabus/

Description and Goals
Texts and Requirements
Schedule
Possible Site Topics and Suggested Resources

Course schedule:

There will probably be additional readings or changes in these assignments as we go along. I will also occasionally ask you to pay attention to ongoing documentaries and reports concerning education on television and in popular magazines. 
January 18-27

No class, January 29
The Syllabus

H&T, Chs. 1,2

"What Makes a Good Case?" (X)

"Learning In School and Out" (X)

Labarree, How To Succeed in School* (*without really learning anything) (excerpt) (X)
February 1-8

February 5, Group Assignments
H&T, Chs. 3-4

Hirsch, The Schools We Need (excerpt) (X)

Sizer, Horace's School (excerpt) (X)

"Child-centered Education," 97

"Testing and Tracking," 98
February 10-17
H&T, Chs. 5-6
 February 19-26

(no class, February 26)
H&T, Chs. 7-8
March 1:
(2) Hour Exam, KJ 221
March 3-March12
Group reports

"Gender Equity," 97, 98

"Race and Testing," 97

"Multiculturalism," 98
March 29-April 23
Group reports

"Education for the Disabled," 97

"Inclusion," 98

"Teachers and Teacher Training," 98

"School Choice," 97

"Markets and Schools," 98
April 19-May 7
Group presentations
May 7
"Launch Party"