EDUC 161. Politics, Policy and Education

Urban Policy, Politics & Education is an honors seminar that explores the intersections of social policy, urban politics, and urban schooling. Drawing on a racial-economic analytic framework we will study the geo-political formation of U.S. cities (Philadelphia serves as our primary case study), policy and social movement. We will also look at urban education policy and pedagogical practices. With this literature as a foundation, students will receive training in theories and methods of critical, participatory action research (CPAR) as they relate to policy studies and advocacy. Over the course of the semester students will be participating in the Cultivating Community Together research project that examines school+community partnerships in Philadelphia in the past and present.
Honors candidates and students using this seminar as the capstone must take the seminar for two credits, course students may opt to take it as a 2- or a 1- credit seminar.
Prerequisite: EDUC 014.
Recommended: EDUC 068 and EDUC 041.
Social sciences.
Writing course.
2 credits.
Eligible for ESCH, ASAM, LALS, BLST.
Fall 2026. Mayorga.
Catalog chapter: Educational Studies
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/educational-studies

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