What This Document Is
This document outlines the syllabus and planned schedule for EPS 500: Topics in Educational Policy, a course offered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the course’s exploration of the historical and contemporary landscape of higher education policy. It details the course’s structure, required readings, and anticipated discussion themes. This isn’t a textbook, but a roadmap for a semester-long deep dive into the forces shaping educational institutions.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for students enrolled in or considering enrolling in EPS 500. It’s also valuable for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of universities and the debates surrounding their purpose and function. Reviewing this outline before the course begins will allow you to prepare for the intellectual challenges ahead and determine if the course aligns with your academic interests. It’s particularly useful for understanding the scope of topics and the expected workload.
Topics Covered
* Historical foundations of liberal learning and higher education
* The changing role of faculty and the professoriate
* The impact of vocationalization and commercialization on universities
* Contemporary diagnoses of the state of higher education
* The evolution of the university system in Europe and America
* Key debates surrounding curriculum and educational aims
* The historical context of university development from the Middle Ages to the present
What This Document Provides
* A detailed week-by-week course schedule with assigned readings
* A list of required and recommended texts for the course
* Identification of key thinkers and foundational texts in the field
* A curated list of further reading resources on the history of higher education
* Insight into the course’s discussion-based learning format
* References to specific chapters and sections within assigned books