Educational Policy and Practice
Eleanor Townsley, Nexus director
Sarah Frenette, track chair
217G Dwight Hall
413-538-3010
https://www.mtholyoke.edu/acad/nexus/educational_policy
Overview and Contact Information
The Nexus in Educational Policy and Practice is intended to provide students with an opportunity to conduct a cross-disciplinary exploration of an education-related topic. The multidisciplinary nature of the Nexus offers varied perspectives on contemporary contexts and historical moments that shape and define knowledge, behavior, structures, organizations, and policies both in and out of educational settings. Examples of these varied perspectives include Education: Policy and Politics; Philosophy and the Child; International Education; Women, Leadership and Higher Education; Education, Health, and Sports Pedagogy; Education and the Arts; Environmental Education.
See Also
Faculty
This area of study is administered by the following Nexus track chair:
Sarah Frenette, Five College Coordinator of Teacher Licensure
Requirements for the Nexus
A minimum of 18 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three courses above the 100 level chosen from the list of courses approved for this Nexus or selected with approval of the track chair | 12 | |
| One approved 300-level course from the list of courses approved for this Nexus or selected with approval of the track chair | 4 | |
| Completion of the UAF application stages 1 and 2 1 | ||
| A substantive internship 2 | ||
| COLL-211 | Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education | 2 |
| A presentation at LEAP Symposium | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| 1 | Or a fifth class with approval of the track chair |
| 2 | At least 240 work hours and responsibilities that exercise ability to think analytically and creatively, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s stated mission and complements the student's area of focus |
Additional Specifications
-
Nexus students will develop a brief proposal outlining their specific area of focus and provide a course outline for approval from the track chair. A Plan of Study form must be returned to the Nexus Program office.
- The sequence of a Nexus is part of what makes it unique:
-
In preparation for the summer internship or research, students complete courses chosen in consultation with the track chair. If seeking funding through LYNK UAF, students will additionally complete orientation and advising, and online training.
- COLL-211 is taken after the internship or research project and culminates in a presentation at LEAP Symposium.
-
Selection of Courses Counting toward the Nexus
Courses other than those listed below may count toward the Nexus. Students should consult the Nexus track chair for consideration of courses not on the list.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College(Interdeptmnt) Courses | ||
| COLL-211 | Reflecting Back: Connecting Internship and Research to Your Liberal Arts Education | 2 |
| Education | ||
| EDUC-205 | Social Justice in Education | 4 |
| EDUC-233 | Educational Psychology | 4 |
| EDUC-267 | Children's Literature for Educators | 4 |
| Educational Studies | ||
| EDUST-221 | Self-Awareness in Education | 4 |
| EDUST-339EP | Seminar in Educational Studies: 'Educational Policy' | 4 |
| Entrepreneurship, Orgs & Soc | ||
| EOS-299ND | Topic: 'Individuals and Organizations' | 4 |
| Psychology | ||
| PSYCH-213 | Psychology of Racism | 4 |
| PSYCH-230 | Developmental Psychology | 4 |
| PSYCH-331 | Laboratory in Early Childhood Learning and Development | 4 |
