Course Description and Objectives
My purposes in this course are to explore with you several anthropological theories that provide lenses for understanding the relationship between culture, schooling and learning. We will consider and critique cultural difference theory, interpretive theory, social reproduction theory, and cultural practice theory. In addition, we will consider each theory's application to educational practice and research.
Class sessions will include short lectures, small-group conversations, and whole-class discussions. Classes are designed for active participants. Please come to class prepared to discuss the assigned material.
There are several things I hope you will gain from the course. They are: an understanding of anthropological perspectives and concepts relevant to educational processes and settings; a greater sophistication in evaluating the contributions of anthropological research to educational research; and a reasonable idea of how to apply perspectives and concepts from anthropology to your own interests in educational phenomena.

The Instructor
I will enjoy talking with you outside class--about the course or any other interests you may have in anthropology and education. My office hours are 1:30-4:00 p.m., Thursdays. If these are not good times for you, please let me know, and we can schedule another time to meet. You can reach me at (303) 492-8583 (office: 238 Education Bldg.). If I'm not there, please leave a message and I'll return your call. You can also reach me by email: Margaret.Eisenhart@Colorado.edu. For more information about me, see my Web page: http://spot.colorado.edu/~eisenhar.

Course Requirements
Reading assignments have been made for each class period. Study questions will be identified for the readings. You will be expected to read the assignments and prepare brief written or oral responses to the study questions before the next class. Sometimes questions will be assigned to groups; other times, to individuals. The study questions and your responses will be the basis for our class discussions. I will evaluate the quality of both your written and oral comments.
The final requirement (and in lieu of a final exam) is a proposal, to be developed during the semester and due on December 13. There are several steps to the proposal development; we will discuss them soon after the semester begins.

Additional Information for Students

Disability Services

If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services (DS) early in the semester so that your needs may be addressed. DS determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. For additional information, call 30-492-8671, visit Willard 322, or refer to www.colorado.edu/sacs/disabilityservices.

Religious Observances

I will make every effort to accommodate all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments, or other required attendance, provided they notify me in advance of the scheduled conflict. Whenever possible, students should notify me at least two weeks in advance of the conflict to request special accommodation. For additional information on this policy, see www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html.

Classroom Behavior
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Students who fail to adhere to behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. For additional information, see Classroom Behavior Policy at www.colorado.edu/FacultyGovernance//STCOM/STUDAFF/index.html.

Student Honor Code

A Student Honor Code is in effect in all schools and colleges of the University. You can see the honor code information at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/.