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ED 201 - Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education ...

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you can simply comment upon what another person says on e-mail. The idea is to extend<br />

discussion beyond the classroom without direct instructor interference. At least two <strong>of</strong><br />

your e-mails should include references to books, articles, websites, or sources you have<br />

discovered that pertain to the issue at h<strong>and</strong> outside <strong>of</strong> regular classroom exchange. This is<br />

your opportunity to talk to each other about issues that arise in class. I will monitor the e-<br />

mail only to make sure that the minimum number <strong>of</strong> entries are fulfilled <strong>and</strong> that you<br />

mention at least two external sources in your discussions. This activity will constitute part<br />

<strong>of</strong> your participation <strong>and</strong> attendance grade.<br />

Comparative Book Reviews<br />

Three 7 page book reviews are required for the course. The reviews ask you to compare<br />

two <strong>of</strong> the books we will have read during the term. For each review, you should identify<br />

the title, author, city <strong>of</strong> publication, publisher, <strong>and</strong> date <strong>of</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> the books<br />

subject to review.<br />

Review Number 1 – George Michie, in his book Holler if You Hear Me, tries to use the<br />

actual voices <strong>of</strong> his students in explaining how <strong>and</strong> why teaching can make a positive<br />

difference in their lives. Kate Rousmaniere, in her book City Teachers, argues that New<br />

York City teachers historically have battled for control over their working conditions <strong>and</strong><br />

the teaching methods they would prefer to use, <strong>of</strong>ten with little success. Can inner-city<br />

teachers make a difference in their own lives <strong>and</strong> in the lives <strong>of</strong> the children they teach?<br />

Answer this question by comparing both <strong>of</strong> these books, examining the premises each<br />

author makes, the evidence that they use in support <strong>of</strong> their premises, <strong>and</strong> the adequacy <strong>of</strong><br />

their conclusions.<br />

Review Number 2 – Jonathan Kozol, in Savage Inequalities, uses his role as an outsider<br />

to demonstrate how the systematic injustices <strong>of</strong> the American educational system give<br />

those who are disadvantaged little help. Douglas Foley, in The Heartl<strong>and</strong> Chronicles,<br />

uses his role as an anthropologist <strong>and</strong> former member <strong>of</strong> a rural community, to examine<br />

how schools in his hometown were <strong>and</strong> continue to be insensitive to issues <strong>of</strong> ethnic<br />

diversity. He recounts experiences from his own life <strong>and</strong> interviews former friends <strong>and</strong><br />

associates in arriving at his conclusions. Explain the strengths <strong>and</strong> weaknesses <strong>of</strong> each<br />

methodology, determine which picture <strong>of</strong> educational <strong>and</strong> social inequality is more<br />

accurate, <strong>and</strong> why.<br />

Review Number 3 - Chris Carger, in Of Borders <strong>and</strong> Dreams, shows how his schooling<br />

failed Alej<strong>and</strong>ro <strong>and</strong> the Juarez family at every step, while Peggy Ornstein, in<br />

Schoolgirls, argues that schools are systematically biased against girls. Explain why you<br />

agree or disagree with the extent <strong>of</strong> their pessimism <strong>and</strong> give a series <strong>of</strong> concrete steps<br />

that you think would improve educational outcomes for girls <strong>and</strong> for Latino children <strong>of</strong><br />

all types.<br />

For each review, assume that the reader has not read the books in question <strong>and</strong> back up<br />

your arguments with evidence from the texts, class discussions, <strong>and</strong> personal experience.

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