ECON/EDUC 239 - Exploring Childhood in Denmark: Comparing Policies and Practices to the U.S.

4 credits

One week on campus, three weeks in Denmark

Prof. Tim Diette and Prof. Haley Sigler

The course explores childhood in Denmark and the United States.  The students begin the course with 3  weeks in Denmark and spend the last week of the term on campus in Lexington. In Denmark, students will have experiences inside schools, daycares, and preschools in both economically advantaged and disadvantaged areas as well as speak with administrators and policymakers. Students will explore Copenhagen as well as take a three-day study tour of western Denmark.  Students will participate in a 3-day mini-practicum teaching Danish schoolchildren.  With additional readings that focus on education policy and broader family policy in each country, students will engage in discussions and reflections on the relative strengths and weaknesses of policies in each country.

Program Fee (paid to W&L): $3,630. This includes accommodation in a hostel; DIS program fee which covers 3-day trip to western Denmark (ground transportation, lodging, 5 meals, 3-4 visits), guest lectures, 3-day practicum in local school and 3 additional local field study visits.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Airfare ($1000); other meals ($1000); transportation from Copenhagen airport to city.

For further details please contact Prof. Diette at diettet@wlu.edu or Prof. Sigler at siglerh@wlu.edu.