Undergraduate Catalog
Education
Coordinator: Brynna Hurwitz
Lewis & Clark offers several courses for undergraduates who wish to explore the field of education. Students who are interested in this field are encouraged to take ED 205 Education in a Complex World and ED 446 Inquiry Into Teaching and Learning. Both incorporate off-campus experience in Portland Public Schools' elementary through high school classrooms. These courses also provide the strong introduction to educational theory and practice that will be required for further study in this field.
Students interested in a teaching career in middle or high school are encouraged to choose an undergraduate major related to the subjects they wish to teach. Prospective elementary school teachers might take courses from many disciplines, including mathematics and science.
Lewis & Clark's Center for Career and Community Engagement provides many opportunities for students planning to continue in this field, such as volunteer work with community-based educational organizations. Students are also encouraged to attend events sponsored by Lewis & Clark's highly regarded Graduate School of Education and Counseling, which helps to administer the College of Arts and Sciences education offerings. Although the undergraduate school has no major or minor in education, the graduate school historically has admitted a high proportion of the College of Arts and Sciences applicants to its programs.
Faculty
Brynna Hurwitz. Instructor in education, coordinator of the College of Arts and Sciences education course offerings. M.A.T. 1990 Lewis & Clark College. B.A. 1981 Reed College.
Gregory A. Smith. Graduate professor of education. Educational policy, curriculum and instruction, place-based education, school-community relations. Ph.D. 1989 University of Wisconsin at Madison. M.A. 1976 Southern Oregon University. B.A. 1970 University of Oregon.
ED 205 Education in a Complex World
Faculty: Hurwitz.
Content: Exploration of educational reforms, pedagogical
methods, and the sociopolitical issues that shape
schools. Collaborations with partner schools
deepen knowledge of educational approaches.
Activities, readings, and assignments integrate
theory with practice. Field work in Portland
Public Schools advances understanding of the
complexity and art of teaching; six hours of
internship in the schools per week in addition to
class time.
Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required, unless section number is
preceded by an "F."
Usually offered: Annually, fall and spring semester.
Semester credits: 4.
ED 446 Inquiry Into Teaching and Learning
Faculty: Hurwitz.
Content: In-depth exploration and analysis of teaching
strategies, curriculum, and learning. Educational
theories of John Dewey, the father of progressive
education. Current educational theory and reform
legislation. Reflection on students' emerging
beliefs about schools and teaching. Research
projects employing practical applications of
theory and personal pedagogy. Students required to
complete 30 hours of practicum experience and
present the research projects to colleagues at end
of semester. Weekly seminar meetings; written
assignments based on readings and practicum
activities.
Prerequisites: ED 205 or ED 201.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.
Usually offered: Annually, spring semester.
Semester credits: 3.
ED 450 Philosophy and Practice of Environmental/Ecological Education
Content: Overview of current theories about the role of
education in developing ecologically literate
citizens. The origins of environmental education;
consideration of "ecological" education. Focus on
relationships between humans and the natural
world, and among humans. Cultural factors that may
bear on the causes and solutions of environmental
problems. Students complete a 15-hour practicum in
the classroom of a Portland-area teacher who
incorporates environmental or place-based studies
as a central part of his or her curriculum.
Prerequisites: ED 205 or consent of instructor.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.
Usually offered: Alternate Years, fall semester.
Semester credits: 3.
Programs of Study