This course offers an introduction to the breadth of educational systems and structures around the world, and the cultural, historical, philosophical, and economic forces that shape these systems. Additional topics to be studied include the effects of globalization on education systems; the role of NGOs in the provision of formal and non – formal education; and issues of diversity, access, and inclusion as they manifest internationally. The course will be primarily discussion – based and active student participation is both encouraged and required.
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Describe the field of comparative education, including its aims, methods, and scope.
- Compare philosophies of education and their resultant practices.
- Articulate the breadth and variety of international education systems, by comparing structures, influences (historical, cultural, philosophical, political, and economic), and issues of diversity and equity between national systems.
- Discuss the roles of international organizations, regional organizations, NGOs, national governments, local governments, and educators in the delivery of education across nations.
- Describe in detail the structures, prominent influences, and issues shaping the education system of one country.
- Communicate theoretical analyses in a written style and format appropriate to academic environments.
This website provides a place for students to share case studies on national systems of education and comparative analyses of how issues of equity, access and diversity are addressed.