EDC 203 - Schooling in a Diverse Society

3 Credit Hour(s)
3 Lecture Hour(s)
0 Lab Hours(s)
This course provides an overview of American education as both a professional and public enterprise, examining its social, historical, and philosophical foundations to give perspective on current issues, policies, and trends. Students will explore how schooling is shaped by social contexts, particularly in multicultural and global settings. The course emphasizes reflection on cultural identity and biases, understanding learner diversity (e.g., race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, physical and neurodiversity, linguistic diversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion/spiritual tradition, immigration status), and recognizing the assets each learner brings to the classroom.

This course aligns with the Illinois Professional Educator Standards (2023) and the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards (2022). Students will explore foundational concepts in education through a lens of equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness, reflecting on their own identities and biases while examining learner diversity and systemic influences on schooling. Assignments are designed to support successful transfer to four-year institutions and prepare students for future licensure pathways.