SOC 3081 EDUCATION AND SOCIETY
This course is an exploration of the rich field of the anthropology of education. We will explore both formal and informal education-from early childhood socialization to the role of schools in a variety of cultural and geographic contexts. A central objective of this course is to provide students the opportunity to read ethnographic studies on society and education and to explore the contribution of ethnographic research to the development of key ideas/theories in the field. Through out our discussion we will engage topics of identity and meaning, racial and gendered disparities, class reproduction and performance, and religious learning. Key questions examined will be the following: What is a cultural analysis of schooling? What diverse theories of culture, power, and society have informed our understanding of educational processes? How can a cultural analysis of schooling inform efforts to create a more socially just educational system? Students will be encouraged to incorporate their own research interests into both class discussions and writing assignments.