This course is a survey of the historical and philosophical ideas that guide educational theory and practice. Emphasis is on ethical clarification and practical application of ideas in current, diverse educational settings. Basic to the course is the notion that valuable insights into American education can be obtained through a close examination of its historical development from the colonial era to the present. Emphases on various philosophical systems in education and on the related issue of worldviews are especially helpful in illuminating ever-present tensions in American education. American education cannot be adequately understood, nor can well-informed decisions be made by administrators, instructional staff, or others responsible for education, without the benefit of both historical and philosophical perspectives.