EDUC 312 - Making Americans: The History of U.S Schooling

No other social welfare institution in the United States (U.S.) is associated more with culture transmission, citizenship, and notions of public than its education system. It is the only social welfare institution in the U.S. that is compulsory from childhood to young adulthood. However, despite the educational system being so much of our lives, it is also the one we know the least about historically. This course will look at the history of public schooling in the U.S. from its pre-European colonial origins to the present day. We will look at the ways in which notions of culture, citizenship, and the very idea of what it means to be “American” have been discussed, debated, contested, and institutionalized in what is viewed as “our most precious institution.” Offered every year. (4 Credits)