SOCI0230A-F25
Higher Education and Society
Higher Education and Society
Concerns about quality, value, and cost have raised doubts about whether higher education remains a pathway to opportunity. In this course we will consider these issues by reviewing research on the changing demographics of students, the evolving definition of “merit” in admissions, the challenges of assessing what students learn, and the relationship between student loan debt and economic inequality. We will also examine how college shapes later outcomes such as income, health, and family formation. Finally, we will discuss efforts to reform higher education and the potential for innovations like global expansion to reshape post-secondary schooling in the future. 3 hrs.lct. (Not open to students who have already taken FYSE 1090 or SOCI 0330.)
Concerns about quality, value, and cost have raised doubts about whether higher education remains a pathway to opportunity. In this course we will consider these issues by reviewing research on the changing demographics of students, the evolving definition of “merit” in admissions, the challenges of assessing what students learn, and the relationship between student loan debt and economic inequality. We will also examine how college shapes later outcomes such as income, health, and family formation. Finally, we will discuss efforts to reform higher education and the potential for innovations like global expansion to reshape post-secondary schooling in the future. 3 hrs.lct. (Not open to students who have already taken FYSE 1090 or SOCI 0330.)
- Term:
- Fall 2025
- Location:
- Munroe Hall 406 MNR 406
- Schedule:
- 11:15am-12:30pm on Monday, Wednesday (Sep 8, 2025 to Dec 8, 2025)
- Type:
- Lecture
- Course Modality:
- In-Person
- Instructors:
- Matt Lawrence
- Subject:
- Sociology
- Department:
- Sociology
- Division:
- Social Sciences
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- SOC
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 93059
- Subject Code:
- SOCI
- Course Number:
- 0230
- Section Identifier:
- A