Lecture, two hours; discussion, two hours. Introduction to broad landscape of public education in U.S. Intended for those interested in educational research, policy, or teaching in both formal and informal educational contexts. Readings highlight work of educational researchers from UCLA's Department of Education, especially ways their scholarship intersects with policy and practice. Students work in groups to identify real-life problem affecting public education in Los Angeles. Study of this problem from multiple perspectives. Conceptualization of socially-just solution. Letter grading.