Retired 12/31/2008: An overview of American education as both a professional and a public enterprise. Social, historical, and philosophical foundations give perspective to an examination of current issues, policies, and trends in the field of education, including cultural diversity. May include organization and structure, finance, and curriculum. On successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:evaluate teaching as a profession and analyze the impact of various social forces on the practicing teacher;explain historical, philosophical and sociological influences on education;identify and compare the tenets of selected educational philosophies and their relationships to present educational practices;relate basic sociological concepts to American society and American schools;demonstrate a knowledge of prevalent organization and governance patterns in education systems;define federal, state, and local responsibilities for education;summarize the funding sources for education at all levels;identify the major educational organizations and explain their purposes and contributions to American education;identify, evaluate, and explain selected curricular patterns, educational programs, and instructional innovations;identify and discuss current and emerging issues in education;demonstrate a knowledge of the meaning and benefits of multicultural education as an active process of good pedagogy;compare and contrast international education systems with the American education system; anddemonstrate knowledge of basic needs, characteristics, and behavioral patterns in the teaching/learning process.