Teacher Education: Holy Cross offers a Teacher Education Program in its Department of Education. In order to enter the program, students are required to take EDUC 167 and EDUC 169 (preferably in their first and/or second years). After taking these courses, students may apply to the Teacher Education Program.
Minor: Students interested in an Education minor must take an introductory course before declaring the minor. For those interested in teaching, learning, or school counseling we recommend EDUC 167; those interested in educational studies or policy we recommend EDUC 169. It is recommended that students begin courses for the minor no later than sophomore year.
Courses
EDUC 167
Educational Psychology
Common Area: Social Science
This course examines the strengths and critiques of various learning theories. As well as examining a variety of individual and sociocultural factors that impact cognitive, socioemotional, identity, and moral development.
EDUC 169
Our Public Schools
Common Area: None
In this highly interactive, discussion-based course, students will grapple with fundamental questions about public schools in the US. What is the purpose of public schooling? What role(s) should public schools play in society? What should schools teach? What have schools meant to different groups? What is the difference between schooling and education? Confronting questions like these, students will gain a foundational understanding of key debates in K-12 schooling and the functioning of school systems. Through different disciplinary lenses (e.g., Historial Studiesory, sociology, poLiteratureical theory, legal studies, Literatureerature), students will examine controversial issues impacting schools such as segregation, academic tracking, high-stakes testing, and curriculum. In the process, students will critically examine their own schooling experiences in light of what they are learning.