EDLF 4606

This class is basically a soapbox for Professor Spreen - she used most of the class to talk about her opinions on educational policy around the world. There was very little objective analysis in the class, and she has some fairly radical ideas about where education should be heading. This definitely shouldn't prevent you from taking the class (in fact, you should take it for this reason), but be prepared to look at the world in a different way.
Carol Anne is an amazing professor who has so much experience in the area of comparative and international education. I came into the class with what I thought were really progressive views of education and international problems, and I still felt like my perspective was completely changed by this class. If you have any interest in educational policy, international affairs or aid, or just want to learn more about the rest of the world, I cannot recommend this class enough. One of the most valuable courses I've taken at UVA.
FYI: Reading involves several articles for each class (you don't always have to read them, but if helps for participating in discussion and for writing your papers laters). There are three papers, all fairly manageable, and one group project. Your grade is entirely made up of the papers and the project. Grading is very fair, and Carol Anne makes herself extremely available for office hours if you need any support.