EDU 295
ST: Sociology of Education
Grinnell College · UGRD · Fall 2026
Catalog description
Special Topic: Sociology of Education. Also listed as SOC-295. This special topic course examines education as a central social institution and explores its role in shaping individual lives and broader societal structures. Education is often portrayed as "the great equalizer", a neutral, merit-based path to opportunity and social mobility. Throughout the course, we will confront this paradox to understand how certain disparities significantly affect students' educational outcomes and their broader life trajectories. Through a sociological lens, students will analyze how education intersects with issues of power, inequality, and social change. Topics include the historical development of schooling, educational policy, curriculum and pedagogy, race, class, and gender dynamics, school discipline, and education reform. Students will critically engage with theories and research to understand education's dual function as a mechanism for both social reproduction and transformation. Prerequisite: SOC-111 or EDU-101
Sections
Current meeting, instructor, credit, and enrollment details
01
4 openSeats: 18/22 seats Last recorded: Aug 13, 2026, 3:48 PM- Days & times
- Tu Th · 2:40 – 4:00 PM
- Meeting dates
- Aug 27 – Dec 18
- Location
- Humanities and Social Studies N1116
- Instructor
- Olga Correa
Section notes
Cross-list SOC-295-03. Writing intensive. Faculty will give substantial oral and/or written feedback to students on writing assignments and provide students with opportunities to apply that feedback to future assignments or revisions. At least 50% of the final grade is based on graded writing assignments.