Education in India
Course Description:
Students will examine the school system in South India. The system consists of 4 major types: Federal, State, Corporation and a wide range of private schools. Sampling experiences in all of the four categories of schools will be arranged. Students will take a train ride to visit a boarding school in a small town and a special education program in a village. The village visit will coincide with the three-day Pongal festival, the Indian Thanksgiving in villages.
PLU students will be
expected to examine the textbooks (all of the textbooks are in English,
except in corporation schools) and make a comparison with the textbooks
for equivalent grades in the USA. They will have opportunities to
interact with the teachers, administrators and students and also
observe the different teaching resources and methods used in schools.
Interested students will have the opportunity to teach a short one-hour
lesson in US history or English in the schools.
Course Objectives:
Examine social class and structure in India's educational practices.
Post Course Commitment:
Research paper based on field observations due first week of spring semester.
Credit:
EDUC 385: Education in India (4 credits). Open to non-Education majors as elective credit. Sociology, Anthropology and Mathematics students will be able to do projects related to their field.
Program Fee:
$4,800. Includes airfare, lodging, program-related transportation, entrance fees, visa fees. Does not include meals or immunizations. See PLU Health Services' website for recommendations and costs.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum 18 students.
Faculty Leader:
Dr. Vidya Thirumuthy, Assistant Professor of Instructional Development and Leadership
253-535-7279 or vidya.thirurmurthy@plu.edu