COR 342 UNDERSTANDING EDUCATIONAL DISPARITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
Since the Coleman Report of 1966, the “academic achievement gap” has been as the heart of education policy. Drawing on research and evidence from the fields of economics, education, sociology, psychology and public policy, we will critically analyze the causes, consequences and potential solutions to academic achievement gaps in the United States. The course will begin with a critical look at the determinants of educational success. Then, we will use this research to help us better understand the causes of existing achievement gaps. Finally, we will study various education policies and debates and use our research to evaluate these policy initiatives. Course material will include readings from economics, education, psychology and policy journals, popular press articles, video clips and documentaries. Students will also read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. This course is writing intensive. Open to students in the third or fourth year of study. Counts toward Poverty and Social Justice minor.