Teaching.
Current courses taught by Dr. Mendenhall
Education in Emergencies and Reconstruction
This course offers students a comprehensive introduction to the growing and increasingly complex field of education in emergencies, addressing crises caused by natural disasters and armed conflict, and spanning the relief-development spectrum. Students critically reflect on practices, policies, research, and advocacy efforts within the field while developing transferable skills related to program design and policy analysis. Through a combination of readings, lectures, class discussions, simulations, student presentations, multimedia, group work, and guest speakers, the course aims to deepen students’ understanding of education in emergencies.
Education, Refugees and Forced Migration
This course provides students an opportunity to learn about refugees and their experiences, with a focus on comparing their personal accounts with scholarly perspectives, as well as the work of authors, educators, and policymakers influencing educational practices and policies. Students will explore and interrogate the “global refugee crisis” and the “refugee regime,” discussing its implications on education systems and societal structures in both low- and high-income countries. The course critically examines what changes are necessary to create more inclusive systems, structures, and schools in refugee-receiving and resettlement contexts.
Education, Refugees and Forced Migration
(Study abroad in Morocco)
This 10-day field-based program explores Morocco's role in global migration, both as a transit country and increasingly as a destination for refugees and migrants heading to Europe. Students will gain a deeper understanding of education policies and humanitarian responses for refugees and migrants. Through academic lectures, site visits, stakeholder consultations, policy labs, and cultural engagements, participants will develop insights into the policy frameworks, institutional strategies, and grassroots initiatives that shape educational access and quality for displaced learners. The program offers a holistic and critical perspective, equipping students to analyze challenges and contribute to actionable solutions in migration-related educational responses.
Project Design, Planning and Management across the Humanitarian-Development Nexus
This course equips students with the skills to plan, manage, and implement education projects in low- and middle-income countries. Focusing on culturally responsive, ethical, and effective practices, students will learn key tools and techniques used by international humanitarian and development organizations. The course covers all stages of project management, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. Emphasizing equity, sustainability, and local capacity, students will explore the challenges of managing education initiatives in diverse global contexts.
Qualitative Research Methods
This course introduces students to qualitative research methodologies used to examine educational policies and practices in international, development, and humanitarian contexts. Students gain experience in key aspects of qualitative research, including study design, data collection tool development, data analysis with software like NVivo, and writing a research prospectus. The course prepares students for the ethical and practical dilemmas encountered in fieldwork, providing strategies to address these challenges.
International Comparative Education and Development Studies
(Part II of year-long master’s core course)
This year-long course explores educational issues in comparative and international contexts, examining the relationship between education and cultural, economic, political, and social processes. It promotes strategic approaches to improving education and development globally. The course is designed for students who plan to work as educators, administrators, policy analysts, or researchers in educational institutions or development organizations. The Fall portion focuses on globalization and development, while the Spring portion examines education as a private or public good and its critical role in society.
Past courses taught by Dr. Mendenhall
Curriculum & Pedagogy in International Contexts
This course explores the opportunities and challenges in developing curricula, preparing instructional materials, and training educators outside the U.S., particularly in developing countries. It encourages students to critically examine their assumptions about curriculum development and to consider factors that must be accounted for when designing curriculum in specific settings. The course covers curriculum planning theories and practical skills necessary for curriculum design and implementation. Students work on real curriculum and professional development projects for organizations around the world, navigating the gap between curriculum theorists and practitioners. The final section focuses on teacher education and professional development, discussing challenges faced by teachers in different contexts and the tensions between policy and practice. Students will also explore how technology and innovative approaches can further support curriculum development and pedagogy.
Advanced Doctoral Seminar in International and Comparative Education
(Year-long course)
This year-long seminar allows doctoral students to critically examine the history, methods, and theories in the field of international and comparative education. The course helps students engage with current debates and develop an understanding of the diverse perspectives and practices surrounding education, as well as the influence of global and local forces on schooling worldwide.
Issues and Institutions of International Educational Development
(Previous core course)
This course explores theoretical frameworks that explain the relationship between education and economic, political, and social development. It also examines the role of institutions involved in educational development at local, national, and international levels. Students will study key issues in the field of international educational development (IED) and gain insights into institutions and organizations working at various levels, from global to community-based efforts. Through a combination of readings, lectures, student presentations, multimedia, group work, and guest speakers, students will deepen their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.