Courses

The Department of Education offers courses that support two functions—allowing students to explore issues of education within the context of their liberal arts studies, and preparing students for certification for teaching in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Courses in the department focus on the process of education from a number of different levels, from the individual (for example, the characteristics of learners and effective teachers) to the social and cultural (for example, education as social institution). A particular emphasis of the department curriculum is on issues that pertain to urban education.

Click here to see courses for the current semester.

Education 122 - First Pre-Practicum - Teaching
Fall, spring
A 30-hour, on-site period of observation and work in the public schools. No units.

Education 124 - Second Pre-Practicum - Teaching
Fall, spring
A 30-hour, on-site period of observation and work in the public schools. No units.

Education 167 - Educational Psychology
Fall, spring
Introduces relationships between psychology and education, growth and development, the nature of the learner, measurement and evaluation, motivation, the teaching-learning process, and the role of the teacher. Discusses new and innovative approaches to education. One unit.

Education 168 - Philosophy of Education 
Alternate years 
An introduction to educational theories. The range of concern includes education in society, education in the school, education in the United States, and ultimate questions in the theory and practice of education. One unit.

Education 169 - Schooling in the United States
Fall, spring
An introduction to the problems and possibilities of public schooling in the United States. Allows students to examine ideas about the history of and politics involved in public schools, and to consider questions of educational philosophy and curriculum. Considers what educational institutions should do, who should be educated, how to decide who should teach, the purpose of education, and the connection of schools to society. Includes a 30-hour community-based learning component. One unit.

Education 175 - Methods of Teaching 
Annually
Students examine and demonstrate various teaching methods. Pursues questions concerning the secondary school curriculum, discipline and motivation, and instructional materials. Secondary school goals and principles are also examined. Methodological and curricular questions specific to the discipline will be illustrated and discussed. Includes a 30-hour community-based learning component. One unit.

Education 181 - The Middle School 
Annually
Students examine and demonstrate various teaching methods. Pursues questions concerning the middle school structure and team approaches, curriculum, discipline and motivation, and instructional materials. Methodological and curricular questions specific to the middle school concept will be illustrated and discussed. Includes a 30-hour community-based learning component. One unit.

Education 202 - Tutorial
Fall, spring
Tutorial projects designed by students and faculty members. Admission determined by evaluation of proposal. One unit.

Education 232 - Schools: Surviving and Achieving 
Annually
Focuses on conceptual, historical, and current factors related to school counseling. The course takes a multi-method approach to learning that is rooted in social justice education and the belief that an equitable education can be achieved for all students. One unit.

Education 273 - Urban Education
Annually
Focuses on education in large urban contexts, with particular emphasis on poor and minority education. Participants address a range of factors that create the conditions for teaching and learning in city schools. One unit.

Education 320 - Practicum - Middle and Secondary School Teaching
Fall, spring
A full-time practicum experience of supervised teaching in the high school or middle school. Open only to TEP students. Three units.

Education 330 - Seminar in Teaching
Fall, spring
A seminar to accompany the Education 320 Practicum. Addresses issues arising in the practicum experience, as well as current topics in education in order to meet the professional standards for teachers. Open only to TEP students. One unit.

Education 340 - Multicultural Education
Annually
Focuses on various socio-historical perspectives for the study of race, gender, and culture in the increasingly diverse U.S. educational system. One unit.

Education 342 - Education for Social and Political Change
Annually
Explores the inter-related themes of oppression, privilege, and resistance as they pertain to the educational experiences of marginalized communities in the United States and other parts of the world. One unit.

Education 360 - Research in Education
Annually
Seminar focuses on qualitative research techniques in education. Students explore a range of techniques including case study, phenomenology, and narrative approaches. One unit.

Education 375 - Historical Perspectives on American Education
Annually
Examines how educators, politicians, and social reformers have attempted to use education to fulfill the country’s democratic values and to influence the social structure. Will consider historical evaluations of these efforts. One unit.

Education 394 - Directed Research
Fall, spring
Students may undertake an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member. Permission required. One unit.

The final authority on College and departmental policy, including faculty and course information, is the College Catalog.  Please consult the Catalog for more information.