Contemporary Social Problems: Views from Human Development and Education

Authors

  • Yu-Tzu Debbie Liu Harvard Graduate School of Education

Abstract

This is a graduate (or upper-level undergraduate) course in the School of Education that meets face-to-face twice a week for 80 minutes each for a total of 15 weeks (a typical semester for universities that operate on a two semester academic year). Students taking this course are typically pursuing studies in the field of education, either as practicing teachers or educational researchers. The purpose of this course is to explore a selection of contemporary social problems in light of current theories and research in cognitive science, human development, and learning and teaching. The purpose of this course is to help students understand the complexities inherent in any social problem, underlying causality, and potential solutions. The course is heavily based on discussion. The course takes on a constructivist approach to teaching and learning, wherein students take on an increasingly active role in their learning as the course progresses.

 

Author Biography

Yu-Tzu Debbie Liu, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Y. Debbie Liu is an Adjunct Lecturer of Education at Brown University and a doctoral candidate at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Her research background ranges from bioinformatics, synthetic biology, to science education.  She holds a Masters of Arts from Boston University’s Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, and a Master of Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Her research involves the study of 21st century scientific thinking patterns and their implications for science education. Currently, her work centers on systems thinking and the learning potential in various gaming platforms to foster systems problem solving skills.

 

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Published

2012-09-26

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Syllabi