Course Purpose

Ethics and Social Justice in Education will provide students with a strong foundation in the ethical and social justice dimensions of education, enabling them to become ethical and socially responsible educational leaders who can advocate for equity and create a more just and equitable society for all. This course explores the ethical and social justice dimensions of education, equipping students with a critical understanding of the role of education in fostering equity, inclusion, and a just society. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and real-world examples, students will develop the ethical and moral compass necessary to address complex social and educational issues.

Course Expected Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, the students are expected to:

 Know ethical theories (e.g., deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics) and their application to educational contexts.

 Understand the role of education in promoting social justice in relation to contemporary issues of equity and access in education

 Develop and advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion:

 Engage in ethical decision-making in educational contexts

 Commit to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students.

Course Content

The course will include:

1: Foundations of Ethics and Social Justice in Education: Philosophical Foundations, Historical Perspectives on Equity and Access.

2: Equity and Inclusion in Education: Diversity and Inclusion, Addressing Educational Disadvantage.

3: Social Justice and Educational Reform: Advocacy and Activism in Education, The Role of Education in Social Change.

4: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making in Education: Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks, Case Studies in Educational Ethics, Professional Ethics and Responsibilities.

Core Texts

1. Reading for Social Justice: A Guide for Families and Educators by Ana Contreras and Julia Delacroix
2. Critical Practices for Social Justice Education by Learning for Justice
3. Teaching Tolerance: A Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center
4. Ethics and Social Justice in Education: A Reader by Wayne Au and Lois Weiner
5. Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire