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

you can simply comment upon what another person says on e-mail. The idea is to extend
discussion beyond the classroom without direct instructor interference. At least two of
your e-mails should include references to books, articles, websites, or sources you have
discovered that pertain to the issue at hand outside of regular classroom exchange. This is
your opportunity to talk to each other about issues that arise in class. I will monitor the e-
mail only to make sure that the minimum number of entries are fulfilled and that you
mention at least two external sources in your discussions. This activity will constitute part
of your participation and attendance grade.
Comparative Book Reviews
Three 7 page book reviews are required for the course. The reviews ask you to compare
two of the books we will have read during the term. For each review, you should identify
the title, author, city of publication, publisher, and date of publication of the books
subject to review.
Review Number 1 – George Michie, in his book Holler if You Hear Me, tries to use the
actual voices of his students in explaining how and why teaching can make a positive
difference in their lives. Kate Rousmaniere, in her book City Teachers, argues that New
York City teachers historically have battled for control over their working conditions and
the teaching methods they would prefer to use, often with little success. Can inner-city
teachers make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of the children they teach?
Answer this question by comparing both of these books, examining the premises each
author makes, the evidence that they use in support of their premises, and the adequacy of
their conclusions.
Review Number 2 – Jonathan Kozol, in Savage Inequalities, uses his role as an outsider
to demonstrate how the systematic injustices of the American educational system give
those who are disadvantaged little help. Douglas Foley, in The Heartland Chronicles,
uses his role as an anthropologist and former member of a rural community, to examine
how schools in his hometown were and continue to be insensitive to issues of ethnic
diversity. He recounts experiences from his own life and interviews former friends and
associates in arriving at his conclusions. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each
methodology, determine which picture of educational and social inequality is more
accurate, and why.
Review Number 3 - Chris Carger, in Of Borders and Dreams, shows how his schooling
failed Alejandro and the Juarez family at every step, while Peggy Ornstein, in
Schoolgirls, argues that schools are systematically biased against girls. Explain why you
agree or disagree with the extent of their pessimism and give a series of concrete steps
that you think would improve educational outcomes for girls and for Latino children of
all types.
For each review, assume that the reader has not read the books in question and back up
your arguments with evidence from the texts, class discussions, and personal experience.