The purpose of this course will be to examine the dialectical relationship between education and society.

The course will firstly consider the main theoretical perspectives which attempt to explain variations in educational systems and the ways that they change (eg functionalist, Marxist and interpretative). This will be followed by a socio-historical examination of the emergence of schooling, from antiquity through the industrial revolution to mass schooling in many societies today. Topics will include the relationship between education and the economy, the political system (the State) and the cultural and ideological system. The relationship between the family, gender, schooling and life chances will also receive attention. Finally, alternative educational structures will be examined with respect to their appropriateness for different types of societies.

All topics will be treated in a comparative perspective, although the Australian context will receive considerable attention. The similarities and differences between school processes in industrialised and non-industrialised societies, as well as capitalist and socialist societies, will be a consistent theme throughout the course.

The suggested assessment program includes one 2,200 word essay (40%), tutorial participation (25%), and final examination (35%).

24 hours of lectures and 11 hours of tutorials. Lectures will be taped.

Any two first-year courses, or with the permission of the lecturer.