Education in Rural Contexts

This course focuses on educational issues in rural contexts. Course study includes an examination of the symbiotic relationship between education and the economic and social issues within communities. The influence of the sources of cultural identity such as race, gender, social class, social status, sexuality, religion, and health on education in rural contexts both nationally and internationally is explored. An examination of how the sources of cultural identity interplay with a community's ability to develop human capital occurs. Community entities and programs aimed at supporting education in rural areas are explored. The course includes a brief examination of the history of education in rural America and how this history has shaped rural communities today. Students participate in service learning. Prerequisite(s): Reserved for upperclassman.