SOC 295-04 - Special Topic: The Illusion of School Choice

4 credits (Spring)

Cross-listed as: EDU 295-01. Does school choice mean more educational opportunities or more competition that leaves some behind? This course offers a sociological exploration of school choice policy, examining its social, political, and cultural effects on local communities, public schools, and the broader educational landscape. Students will learn about various school choice models including charter schools, magnet programs, private and parochial institutions, homeschooling, and online education to consider their connections to issues of race, class, gender, and geography. The course traces the colonial history of public education, emphasizing the social implications of school choice policy on educational equity and social stratification.

Prerequisite: SOC 111.
Instructor: Correa