Foundations of Education: History, Politics, and Economics

Modern educational systems face constant challenges regarding funding, access, and governance. To truly understand current policy debates, you need a strong grounding in the historical, political, and economic forces that shaped them. This course provides a comprehensive textual foundation in the core academic disciplines that determine how education is structured and delivered globally. You will gain the analytical skills necessary to evaluate policy decisions and their impact on learning outcomes. What you'll learn: * Understand the major historical commissions and milestones that shaped modern educational administration and structure. * Analyze the political frameworks, governance models, and key stakeholders involved in national and regional educational policymaking. * Master core economic concepts, including cost-benefit analysis, financing models, and the role of education in human capital development. * Apply foundational principles to evaluate contemporary policy debates concerning privatization, accountability, and public funding mechanisms. * Examine emerging political and economic trends, such as the impact of digitalization and global sustainable development goals on educational access and equity. We begin by establishing foundational historical contexts and defining core terminology before moving into detailed analyses of political structures and economic theories. The course concludes with exercises applying these concepts to real-world policy scenarios. This course is designed for beginners: students, researchers, and aspiring policy analysts who need a rigorous introduction to the academic study of education policy. No prior knowledge of economics or political science is required. Start building your analytical foundation in educational studies today.