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EDC 490/580—School and Society

Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:30 P.M., July 11, 18, and 25, August 1, 8, and 15 in Sverdrup Hall, Room 2
3.0 semester credits (undergraduates), 4.0 semester credits (graduates), Summer II 2024



Instructor: Joseph A. Erickson, Ph.D. 
Office: Sverdrup Hall, Room 3C (lower level of Sverdrup Hall)
Communications: (612) 216-8622 (talk/text) | (email)
Course web site: Log into <http://augnet.augsburg.edu> then click on --> Moodle link
Office hours:

Mondays 3:30-4:30 P.M. and Graduate School Fridays, 2:30-4:30 P.M. (during the school year only). Please click here to --> schedule a meeting with me.

Augsburg University Education Department Mission Statement:

The Augsburg University Education Department commits itself to developing future educational leaders who foster student learning and well-being by being knowledgeable in their fields, being capable in pedagogy, being ethical in practice, nurturing self-worth, embracing diversity, thinking reflectively, and collaborating effectively.

Course Objectives and Orientation:

Emphasis on points of view about the role of school in modern society, relationships with parents and community, collaborative models, leadership, and professional development. Serves as final theoretical preparation for student teaching. This course meets the senior keystone requirement. (Prereq.: MTLE and admission to department)  Students in this course will develop and exhibit:

Knowledge of:
Skills in:
Professional attitudes related to:
• philosophies of education
• applying theory to solve practical problems
• critical self-reflection/examination
• relevant history of American education
• analyzing social and philosophical forces
• appreciating diverse learning preferences and instructional differentiation
• current issues impacting public schools
shaping American education
• establishing a belief that all students can learn
• future trends in American education
• developing partnerships with parents
• developing a foundation for leadership
• standards of professional conduct





In-class instructional methods will include: Lecture, discussion, demonstrations, simulations, student-led activities, cooperative activities, and media showings. Each activity is crafted with an appreciation for learning preferences based on temperament, gender, and cultural/ethnic differences.

EDC 490/580 Course Objectives and Assignments Aligned with Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice (Note: The current MSEPs are soon to be replaced by new ones approved by the legislature. We will discuss the changes in class.)

Required Texts:

Choose one of the following books (This list was generated primarily with your classmates' input from previous semesters. If you have other suggestions, please let me know.):

Attendance Policy:

Due to the condensed nature of this course, regular class attendance is expected. If you must miss a class meeting due to an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, please speak with the instructor, preferably ahead of time if possible. Students may, with the permission of the instructor, make-up unavoidable absences (e.g., illness or family emergency) by engaging in equivalent learning activities which they must document for the instructor. University policy permits only one absence in a reduced-contact format course (live or recorded) in order to receive academic credit for the course. Other avoidable absences may not be made-up.

Whatever documentation you propose to make up an excess absence, it should be prepared in such a way as to highlight your careful understanding, reflection, analysis, and evaluation of the concepts discussed in the class, not simply copying what was said or shared in class. Don't summarize...analyze.

Honesty Policy:

The Augsburg University policies on academic honesty apply to this course. Unless otherwise stated, the assignments you hand-in are assumed to be your own individual work. Please refer to the Augsburg Student Guide's section on Academic Honesty Policies for details.

Grading Procedure:

There are a total of 100 points available in this course. There are several components to your grade for this course:

  1. Course Readings: You have a choice regarding how you will document your learning from Sullo's Activating the Desire to Learn, Perricone's Zen and the Art of Public School Teaching and one other book you chose to read in this class. You can either (a) prepare edited notes based on what you learn during your reading of the item(s), or (b) complete a take-home essay examination. In either case, you will be able to earn up to 30 points for these activities. Three items are handed in: one each for Sullo, Perricone, and the third book which you chose from the list above. There are no written reflections or exams for the pre-course readings. The notes or essay will be due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated below in the course schedule. Your notes or quiz should discuss the entire book.

    1. Essay/Learning Notes: This involves either preparing typed and edited notes reviewing the concepts and skills covered in the course reading(s) or writing a brief essay about the item(s) read. The notes or essay should be written in such a way as to highlight your careful understanding, reflection, synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of the concepts discussed in the texts, not simply repeating what the book says. Don't summarize...analyze. As with any written assignment, the notes or essay should display college-level writing skills (full sentences, good grammar, etc.). An excellent strategy for reading and preparing your notes is the SQW3R strategy. Click here to learn more. Click here to view a checklist to review before handing in your notes or essay to make sure you've done them correctly.
    2. Essay Exam: Essay examinations covering all of the major concepts from 1) Sullo (10 points) and 2) Perricone (10 points) are available. No exam is available for the choice book. Each of your responses should be approximately 300-500 words each (about one single-spaced page, but remember, quality is more important than quantity). Your responses should be written in such a way as to highlight your careful understanding, reflection, synthesis, analysis, and evaluation of the concepts discussed in the texts, not simply repeating what the book says. Don't summarize...analyze. The exams are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated in the course schedule, so please advise the instructor ahead of time that you want to take the exam.

  2. Pre-Licensure Portfolio: A summative evaluation portfolio, documenting what you have learned in the Augsburg Education Licensure Program, will be developed in this course (this will be discussed further in class). You will self-evaluate the portfolio using this rubric. It is important that you send a working Internet address for your eFolio to the instructor on or before the due date (listed below), otherwise you cannot receive credit for this assignment. Make sure to set your eFolio to "Public." The portfolio is worth up to 30 points,

  3. Educational Philosophy Paper (eFolio Assignment*): A 10-14 page documented statement of your educational philosophy and practice that you will self-evaluate using this rubric, worth 30 points. This translates to a word count of between 3,500-5,500 words (using 12-point Arial font, double spaced). This refers to the body of the paper only. It would not include the title page, abstract, or references, and

  4. Task Management and Participation: If you successfully demonstrate professional-level task management and participate in all class meetings in an informed and enthusiastic manner, you will receive up to ten points, otherwise fewer or no points. Class participation points can be earned only when a student attends class regularly, on-time, and stays engaged throughout the class session. Students may, with the permission of the instructor, make-up unavoidable absences (e.g., illness or family emergency) by engaging in equivalent learning activities which the student must design and document for the instructor. Other avoidable absences may not be made-up.
  5. Graduate-level Reading Assignment: The following book chapters/selections are found on course moodle site. They are a required part of the course readings for graduate students (see above). The due date is listed in the course schedule (below).

  6. Graduate Level Writing Assignment (eFolio Assignment*): After reading these three selections, write a 2,000 word essay/response to the following questions. Please cite and refer to the authors' ideas in your response. This assignment is graded P/N. Graduate students must pass the graduate assignment in order to receive graduate credit for this course. The due date is listed in the course schedule (below).

    Essay Questions for Graduate Level Writing Assignment: What is the "factory model" of schools and how does this over-riding metaphor/mythology shape our thinking about American schools? Why is the metaphor we choose important? What alternatives do these authors suggest are available for shaping our basic metaphor for schools and schooling?
Those students who earn 95-100 points on the exam and other assignments will receive an A for the course. Similarly: A- = 92-94, B+ = 90-91, B = 85-89, B- = 83-84, C+ = 80-82, C = 75-79, C- = 73-74, D+ = 70-72, D = 65-69, D- = 60-64, and F = 0-59. Students registered at the graduate level must earn a C+ or above to apply this course towards licensure. Students registered at the undergraduate level must earn a grade of C to apply this course towards licensure. Students registered for the undergraduate version of this course are graded using the undergraduate grading scale and students registered for the graduate version are graded using the graduate grading scale.

*eFolio Assignment: It is highly recommended you put this assignment in your eFolio.

Electronic Document Submission:

Documents in this class are submitted digitally via GoogleDrive. The documents should be converted to GoogleDocs format (not MS Word format) and include all of the items physical paper assignments would include such as your name and the title of the assignment. Make sure to include all relevant identifying information. Make sure to add the instructor as an editor (username: erickson@augsburg.edu) so I am able to comment on your assignment online.

Also make sure to save the file with your name and the name of the assignment in the file's name, e.g., "Your Name - Assignment Name." If you have any questions, please speak with the instructor.
Documents not following this protocol will be returned. Further instructions are found on the course Moodle site.

EDC 490/580 Grade Tally Worksheet:

Late Work Policy:

Course assignments must be handed-in on time. On time means the assignment is handed-in (i.e., shared digitally) by the beginning of the class meeting indicated on the course calendar--not later that day. Late assignments cannot be re-done. Any other arrangements must be negotiated with the instructor before the due date/time.

Academic Alerts:

Augsburg University makes student success a priority. As a result, this course is participating in the Academic Alert initiative. As the instructor of this course, I may choose to refer you to your faculty adviser or other campus resources via the Academic Alert process if it is apparent that you are struggling with issues such as attendance, class participation/preparedness, and/or assignment/test preparation.

Academic Alert messages are sent via e-mail to your Augsburg e-mail address.  Additionally, alert messages are copied to your faculty adviser and other campus resources.  Your adviser may choose to contact you to discuss ways to improve your performance in these areas. You may also be contacted by campus resources regarding your situation. Referrals and departmental outreach are designed to maximize your chances of academic success at Augsburg, not as a punishment.     

Disability Accommodations and Accessibility and Other Student Rights:

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the CLASS Office at 612-330-1053 or stop by the Gage Center welcome desk on the link level of the Lindell Library as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely manner. All students have the right to use the Augsburg University Counseling Center and Student Development staff services, as well as to receive tutoring assistance from the Writing Lab. This class affirms individuals of all gender identities and gender expressions. Students are expected to show respect to others, including referring to others using their preferred names and pronouns. 

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Pre-Course Schedule (this schedule may change due to media availability and other considerations):

Date

Topic(s)

Reading Assignment (due by class time)

Session 0: Online
No later than 10:00am on Weds,
July 10
Pre-Course Activities

Complete no later than 10:00 am on Weds. July 10
  • Pre-course reading: Doyle, A (2019). Interview Question: What Is Your Teaching Philosophy?

  • Pre-course assignments: We will begin the first class by reviewing and analyzing your reflections regarding your educational philosophy. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions or need help.
    • Read the posted article (above) and then respond to the questions posted to the What is Your Teaching Philosophy? course discussion forum (on moodle, minimum forum response = approximately 200-500 words per question*
    • Read the course syllabus and review the course Moodle site
    • A brief quiz on the syllabus and Moodle site will be administered at the first class meeting

      * A reminder (from the Course Procedures page on our Moodle site): In general, posts in this course should usually be about 200 - 500 words per question in length (3-5 solid paragraphs), though additional expectations may be described in each forum. Your responses to others, if you choose to provide them (they are not required in this course unless specified in the forum), may be shorter (think 1-2 solid paragraphs) but should include new ideas that add to the discussion, not just, "Bob, I like your ideas."

Doyle, 2019 (online link in syllabus and on course Moodle site)

Session One - July 11

Challenging Expectations

Notes: A copy of the videos shown in this course are available on the Moodle site, on YouTube, in my AugNet Public Folder or are linked to the Miscellaneous Course Handouts page on our course website. Presentation notes, the course schedule, and many links to videos are also posted on the course Moodle site.



Clarifying Important Aspects of My Philosophy: Motivation, Mental Models, and Why Study Philosophy?

Activities and Resources:
  • Begin reading Sullo book

Sullo, pp. 1-70 (pagination based on 2007 Ed. - your edition may vary

Online Modules: Philosophy Paper  Research Resources (Dates: ongoing) I. Library Research –  Refining Your Paper Topic and Supporting Your Arguments:

You should review several brief online videos from the Augsburg library called "Library Research Tutorials" that discuss the databases to which we have access at Augsburg and key elements of writing a successful scholarly paper. Links to these videos are found on our course Moodle.

Then each student should strongly consider making an appointment with one of the Augsburg reference librarians to assist you in searching for literature that is relevant to your philosophy paper.
These meetings may be face-to-face or digitally-mediated via FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or another supported video service.

II. APA Format 
–  Formatting Your Scholarly Paper

If you are unfamiliar with or need a refresher on APA format (APA format is the standard scholarly format for scholarly papers in the social and behavioral sciences), you may want to engage in the
APA Style Review activity. The link to this self-enrolled and self-paced Moodle course is on our Moodle site.

If you can pass the quiz at the end of the course, you will earn a badge, but even if you aren't able to reach that level, this online course offers a thorough review of APA format and where to find more help. You will also find APA format assistance on our course website at this link.


Session Two -  July 18

Developmental Writing Activities, APA Format Review, Preparation for First Draft/Outline of Philosophy Paper

Activities and Resources:

Sullo, pp. 71-157 (pagination based on 2007 Ed. - your edition may vary)

Session Three -  July 25

The Role of Teachers and Important Issues Impacting Teachers (testing, the factory model, et al.)

Activities and Resources:

  • Philosophy paper draft/outline due before class--post on Google Drive
  • Your draft/outline should include text outlining the main themes and structure of your paper and bibliographic sources for all ideas that are not your own. Full citations and complete APA formatting are not required at this time. See resource below for assistance in preparing an effective outline.
  • Here's an example paper draft from a classmate in a previous term.
  • Make sure the instructor is permitted to share the document by changing the permissions of the document and adding the instructor as an editor.
  • The document should be in GoogleDocs format (not MS Word format). You can tell it's in Google format if the icon looks like this: Google Icon, not a W.
  • Please note that the proper format for naming the file should include both your name and the name of the specific document or assignment.

    For example, "Ima Auggie - Educational Philosophy Paper." (Since this is a shared document, not an attachment, there's no need to change the name as you develop the paper.)

  • Mid-term Student Questionnaire Activity (Please complete and bring to class. This is a non-confidential optional informal mid-course check-in.)

  • Optional recommended reading (not required but recommended for some additional background): 
    • A writer's best friend? An outline This StarTribune column breaks down the process of preparing an outline into several easy-to-follow steps. Use it to prepare the first draft/outline of your paper.

Session Four - August 1 The Role of the Community: Asset Building and K-12 Education, How Actually Does Behaviorism Work? Brief Introduction to ePortfolio

Activities and Resources:
Perricone, Intro. - p. 87 (entire book)



The Role of Metaphor in Shaping Schools

Activities and Resources:

Graduate-level Reading and Writing Assignments are due by 10:00am, Weds. July 31
  • Graduate-level Reading Assignment: The following book chapters/selections are found on the course moodle site. They are a required part of the course readings for graduate students (see above).

    • Callahan, R. (1964). Education and the cult of efficiency. Chicago: University Of Chicago Press, pp. vii-18, 126-147; 
    • Jordan, W. (1995). Crossfire education. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, pp. 3-109; and
    • Postman, N. (1996). The end of education. New York: Knopf, pp. 3-87.
  • Graduate-level Writing Assignment: After reading the three graduate course reading selections (see above Graduate Reading Assignment), write a 2,000 (total for the entire assignment) word essay/response to the following questions. Cite and refer to the authors' ideas in your response.
  • Submit your responses as a GoogleDoc, not in moodle. This assignment is graded P/N. Graduate students must pass the graduate assignment in order to receive graduate credit for this course.
     
    Essay Questions for Graduate-level Writing Assignment:


    • What is the "factory model" of schools and how does this over-riding metaphor/mythology shape our thinking about American schools?
    • Why is the metaphor we choose important?
    • What alternatives do these authors suggest are available for shaping our basic metaphor for schools and schooling?

Graduate-level Reading and Writing  Assignments Due

Session Five -  August 8 Conflict and Conflict Resolution in the Classroom, Sharing our Philosophies: What's Your Story?

Activities and Resources:

  • Final educational philosophy paper due by class time -- share from Google Drive 

    • Make sure to complete the self-evaluation rubric and insert it at the beginning of your completed philosophy paper.


  • One-on-One Assistance:

    eFolio Preparation Assistance - Arranged
    Developmental Writing Assistance - Arranged

    Please contact the instructor directly if you want to arrange a time to work one-on-one on your philosophy paper or eFolio.


Online Module:
Due August 12 and 14

Professional Development Plans: What are Your Challenges and Strengths and What are Your Plans to Grow as a Professional?

Activities and Resources:
  • Please read and respond to the two prompts in the Professional Development Forum (minimum forum response = 500 words) on Moodle by 10:00 am on Mon., August 12 (note this is earlier than the normal Wednesday deadline).

  • For this forum activity only, please read and respond to at least two of your classmates' postings by Weds., August 14. Please give your objective and helpful critical feedback (minimum forum response = 500 words). More instructions are found in the forum header on Moodle.


Session Six -  August 15
What are Authors Proposing for the Future of American Schools?

Activities and Resources:

  • Choice Book reading and notes due by class meeting time (See the roster of selections above. Notes should discuss the entire book. There is no take-home exam available for this reading).

    • Choice Book 3-5 minute in-class presentations delivered. Your presentation should include 1-2 key ideas from the book, 1-2 pieces of practical advice based on the book, and a clear and impactful introduction. Plan it like you would plan a lesson with clear objectives and an outline.

  • Learning Portfolio due before class-make sure to publish your site and share the working URL

  • One-on-One Assistance:
eFolio Preparation Assistance - Arranged
Developmental Writing Assistance - Arranged

Please contact the instructor directly if you want to arrange a time to work one-on-one on your philosophy paper or eFolio.

  • Please complete course evaluations before or after class
Portfolio due

Choice book reading, notes and brief presentation due
N.B.: The order and topics may change due to class needs and media availability. Your reading and writing assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned. All assignments not previously handed in are due no later than the final class meeting. Any variance from this schedule must be pre-arranged with the instructor.


"...close cooperation between theoretical and applied can be accomplished... if the theorist does not look toward applied problems with highbrow aversion...and if the applied [practitioner] realizes that there is nothing so practical as a good theory." Kurt Lewin's Dictum

"The work of a school is determined by the needs of society." Francis Parker


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Educational Philosophy Paper | Miscellaneous Course Handouts and Other Items of Interest