Education Department

Chair: Erin McCloskey (2023-24), Christopher Bjork (2024-25);

Professors: Christopher Bjork, Maria Hantzopoulos, Erin McCloskey;

Associate Professor: Kimberly Williams Brown;

Assistant Professors: Jaime L. Del Razo, Mark Emerick, Kahdeidra M. Martin;

Visiting Assistant Professor: Leonisa Ardizzone;

Adjunct Assistant Professor: Hudson Gould (and Director of the Quantitative Research Center);

Adjunct Instructor: Una Miller.

The major in Educational Studies challenges students to think deeply and critically about the ways in which schools socialize as well as educate citizens. It provides ongoing opportunities for conceptual integration across disciplines and domains of theory, policy, and practice. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to study the impact of political, historical, cultural, economic, and social forces on education. Requirements for the proposed major in Educational Studies press students to develop a solid foundation in learning theory, the social foundations of education, as well as a global perspective on education. All majors take one of the foundational courses offered by the department. Following this, each student works closely with a department faculty member to develop a course plan that meets the requirements for the major and fits the student’s interests. Individuals who complete a major in educational studies are prepared to integrate and apply knowledge to guide personal action and development, regardless of their ultimate career trajectory. The major is an excellent option for students who are interested in issues related to education-but who are not planning to earn a teaching credential at Vassar. Students who earn a teaching credential at Vassar are required to major in another discipline-and will not be eligible for the Educational Studies major.

Education Curriculum and Courses

Programs

Major

• Educational Studies Major

Correlate Sequence in Educational Studies

The correlate is designed to provide students with an interest in education an opportunity to provide intellectual depth and coherence to their studies in this area. Under the supervision of a member of the Department, students undertaking the correlate will design a sequence of courses that address a central topic or theme related to education. Completing these courses should challenge students to think deeply and critically about the manner in which schools socialize as well as educate citizens, and how the interests of certain stakeholders are privileged or neglected. Students are encouraged to examine educational issues from multiple theoretical and disciplinary perspectives. Expanding upon their own educational histories, they will examine the relationship between theory and practice through study, observation, and reflection.

• Educational Studies Correlate Sequence

Special Programs

Certification

Fellowship

• Graduate Fellowship in Education

Courses

Education: I. Introductory

Education: II. Intermediate

Education: III. Advanced