Two students having a conversation

About the Department

Mission Statement

The Department of Educational Foundations seeks to clarify the relationship between educational theory and practice through academic inquiry and programmatic involvement.

The department offers core courses required of all undergraduates and graduates seeking teacher certification. Many of the department’s undergraduate courses satisfy current general education requirements.

In these various efforts to educate, the department has two primary emphases: (1) the analysis and critique of educational forms, practices and theories from philosophical, historical, social, political, psychological and economic perspectives with a view toward the pursuit of a just and democratic society; and (2) the promotion and development of critical, creative and independent thinking in educational contexts.