Abstract
This project is an intellectual history of critical pedagogies, beginning with the work of foundational theories from 18th century thinkers and tracking their threads through the modern day. I address the concept of equitable and meaningful education by engaging with the historical work of theorists, applying them to my own conceptualization of educational theory and practice through an autoethnography section and Justice Dialogue. The project aims to demonstrate that critical pedagogy will move education in a direction toward creating engaged students that are prepared for life in a democratic system, and that all people in society have a role to play in educational reform. Through critique and synthesis of differing theories, I provide a roadmap of ideas to recenter the focus of education to be about passion and affirmation rather than subversion and competition.
Advisor
Adams, Beatrice
Department
Education; History
Recommended Citation
Becerra, Brianna G., ""Love Is an Action": Reclaiming U.S. Education Through Critical Pedagogies" (2025). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11670.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11670
Disciplines
Curriculum and Instruction | Education | History | Intellectual History | Secondary Education | Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education | United States History
Keywords
Education, history, critical pedagogy, critical pedagogies, educational reform, intellectual history, autoethnography, abolitionist education, democratic education
Publication Date
2025
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2025 Brianna G. Becerra