Political issues are viewed from a contemporary political perspective and are compared to other social science interpretations. An examination is made of the dialectical relationship between the state and the school in an effort to determine how social, economic, and cultural reproduction occurs. Students examine various inquiry activities, including sampling, observation, and other data collection activities, as well as critical analysis of literature relevant to an important educational problem. These inquiry activities and study provide a foundation for further study of epistemological issues on which educational research and theory are based. Introduction to basic principles of measurement and a survey of educational and psychological testing.
Students participate in a laboratory section where they analyze data and evaluate tests.
Cultural anthropology is presented as an interpretive social science for disciplined inquiry into social institutions and processes, including education. Education is viewed as cultural transmission in the context of contemporary communities and society. The course includes an introduction to cultural theory, anthropological field work, and ethnographic analysis. Admissions Inquiries Questions or problems regarding this web site should be directed to the School Webmaster . Copyright 2000 University of Pittsburgh - School of Education .