Special Topics in Social Policy (351-0-22)

Topic

History and Evolution of the Modern High School

Instructors

Simone Zinaida Ispa-Landa

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall 345: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Nothing about modern public high schools in the United States is inevitable. In this course, we will analyze how the structure and organization of modern high schools have evolved in response to major social forces, including industrialization, immigration, racial segregation, and suburbanization, as well as ever‑changing legal landscapes. To understand what is distinctive about American schooling and what those differences mean for students' daily experiences, opportunities, and transitions into adulthood, we will also compare the U.S. high school model to systems in other countries.

The second part of the course shifts from historical and global comparisons to understanding students' lived experiences within these institutions. We read books that help us understand how schools distribute academic and social opportunities and ask how high schools structure students' daily interactions and identities. By the end of the course, students will be able to articulate how high schools have shaped American adolescence across different historical periods.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for SESP Students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites, if applicable.