Program Information
The Department of Theory and Policy Studies has four programs of study. TPS programs offer a degree in Masters of Arts, Masters of Education, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education. TPS is also a home of the new Collaborative Program in Educational Policy. For more information on TPS programs, contact program coordinators.
Educational Administration
Program Coordinator: Dr. Blair Mascall
A combination of theory and practice assists students to develop leadership skills, enabling them to cope with the complex demands of current education policies and procedures. Degree and non-degree programs are offered to meet the needs of educational administration professionals.
Higher Education
Program Coordinator: Dr. Creso Sá
This is the study of universities, community colleges, and other post-secondary institutions. Focus is on the relationship between these institutions and the broader society in which they operate, and the nature of what takes place inside these institutions. This program is also for those who choose to learn about higher education from an international, comparative perspective.
History and Philosophy of Education
Program Coordinator: Dr. Ruth Sandwell
There are two Fields of Specialization within the History and Philosophy of Education Program: * History of Education * Philosophy of Education Given the close relationship of these two disciplines within our Program, Philosophy of Education students are normally required to take TPS1419H, Historiography and the History of Education (or an equivalent approved by the Program Coordinator) while History of Education students are normally required to take TPS1440H, Introduction to the Philosophy of Education (or an equivalent approved by the Program Coordinator). Students are encouraged to sample courses from the affiliate area, - i.e., in the case of Philosophy of Education students, to sample History of Education course offerings.
Collaborative Program in Educational Policy
Program Director: Prof. Nina Bascia
The Collaborative Program in Educational Policy (CEPP) at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto serves students interested in educational policy development and implementation, with particular emphasis on improving educational process. CEPP provides students with exposure to cross-field and cross- disciplinary approaches to educational problem framing and problem solving to broaden the possibilities for innovative and effective policy analysis.
Initial Teacher Education
Program Coordinator: Dr. Ann Lopez
TPS has an important initial teaching function. Some faculty members in the TPS Department teach preservice courses.
The Department of Theory and Policy Studies takes on primary responsibility for the School and Society Course . This course is intended to give teacher candidates an introduction to how some of the broader issues in society affect the process of education. It is focussed primarily on education in Ontario but brings in perspectives from the rest of Canada and other countries as a way of addressing some of the broad concerns in education. Because of the vast array of potential topics in this course instructors are urged to "play to their strengths" and to use those strengths to help teacher candidates appreciate how to use sociological, historical, philosophical, political, and anthropological lenses to analyse the practice of education.