SOCI 5960: Sociology of Education

This class is a graduate seminar with two objectives: 1) to introduce students to a selection of key ideas and approaches in sociology of education and 2) to support the development of a significant research project (for example, a dissertation proposal, dissertation chapter, MA thesis or capstone, conference paper, manuscript for submission to a journal, or a grant proposal) related to an educational topic, with multiple submissions and revisions. Undergraduates are welcome if they are writing an education-related thesis that they would like to develop in the class. We will explore influential theories and empirical studies in sociology of education, as well as challenges in linking research in sociology of education to policy issues and real-world educational problems. Readings include studies based in both the US and other national settings. The class includes a selection of classic theories in sociology of education and a mix of classic and contemporary empirical studies that touch on key stratification issues in education associated with class, race and ethnicity, migration, rural and urban origins, and gender.

SOCI 5430: Climate, Environment, and Childhood in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Climatic and environmental hazards and their implications for the health and welfare of children are a major global concern. In a recent press release, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that approximately one billion children are at extremely high risk of experiencing impacts of the climate crisis; many will experience multiple climate shocks combined with poor essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare. Children from poorer countries and those from economically, socially, and politically marginalized groups within countries may be particularly vulnerable to climate risks and environmental hazards. Focusing on low- and middle-income countries, this class will explore the question, how do global childhood inequalities, broadly defined, condition both the risks of experiencing climatic and environmental hazards and the impacts, once exposed. The course is appropriate for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Students will 1) to review recent essays, reports, and empirical literature related to the question of how climatic and environmental risks shape child outcomes in low- and middle- income countries, and 2) to support the development of a significant research project (for example, a country study, policy review, or literature review; a dissertation proposal or chapter; an undergraduate or MA thesis/capstone/research proposal; a conference paper
or manuscript for submission to a journal; a grant or fellowship proposal) related to the class theme, with multiple submissions and revisions. For students still exploring ideas, collaborative project options will be discussed in the first week of class.

Penn Education and Inequality Workshop

I co-organize the Penn Education and Inequality Workshop, which sponsors weekly works-in-progress meetings and bi-monthly invitational talks throughout the academic year for students and faculty working in the areas of sociology of education and social stratification and mobility.