The Ph.D in Educational Studies with a concentration in Cultural Foundations is concerned with the breadth and depth of what is fundamental to educational practice-its ideology, philosophical assumptions, and moral claims-and is grounded in the study of education and culture with a particular interest in the integration of social analysis, cultural analysis and praxis.

The program focuses on theoretical and policy issues related to educational practice. In particular the degree emphasizes the following concerns:

• A concern for the disciplined study of the relationship between culture and education, encompassing philosophy, sociology, history, critical theory and pedagogy as it pertains to issues of power, equity, access, and privilege.
• A concern for providing broad philosophical, moral, and spiritual perspectives on educational policies and practices.
• A concern for the impact of current important intellectual movements in educational theory, including feminist theory, gender studies, queer studies, critical race theory and neoliberal critiques.
• A concern for the disciplined study of the relationships among visual studies, media culture, and community engaged work.
• A concern for the interdisciplinary work and serious study of emerging forms of inquiry.
• A concern for integrating personal and professional selves and for providing synthesis, perspective, and direction.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see the Guide to Graduate Admissions.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must submit a resume or curriculum vitae and a personal statement (see departmental website for details).

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 60-72 credit hours

Cultural Foundations Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Educational Foundations (18 credits)
ELC 705	Foundations of Critical Theory	3
ELC 706	History of Education in the United States	3
ELC 707	Philosophies in Education	3
ELC 708	Educational Sociology: Race, Class, and Gender Power Dynamics	3
ELC 709	Introduction to Critical Pedagogy	3
Select one additional course (3 credits) *		3
Curriculum and Teaching (15 credits)
Select 15 credits of courses that encourage a broad, critical understanding of school, pedagogy, and society		15
Research and Methods of Inquiry (15 credits)
Select 15 credits of research courses **		15
Dissertation (12-24 credits)
ELC 799	Dissertation	12-24
Total Credit Hours		60-72

*

In consultation with advisor.

**

In consultation with advisor. These courses can be tailored to the student's particular research and methodological interests.