Philosophy of Education

General Description
Philosophy of education attempts to clarify the aims, content and methods of education appropriate to contemporary society. In this course we will consider a broad range of these issues, paying attention to the work of contemporary theorists as well as to the theories of classic philosophers of education, such as Plato, Locke, Rousseau and Dewey. In so doing, we will address such crucial questions as: What is the purpose of education? What are the ethical rights and responsibilities of students and teachers? Should education be multicultural? Should ethics and religion be taught in schools? Should mathematics and science (eg evolutionary theory) be taught as neutral truths or as culturally specific approaches to understanding the world?

Synopsis
Part I: Teaching and the Concept of Education

1. The Concept of Education
2. The Nature of Teaching and the Role of the Teacher
3. Theories of Education (1): Plato
4. Theories of Education (2): Locke
5. Theories of Education (3): Rousseau
6. Theories of Education (4): Dewey

Part II: Learning

Epistemological Issues

1. How Children Learn

Part III: Schooling and Society

1. Education and the State
2. The Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, Students and Parents
3. Liberalism and Multiculturalism
4. The Concept of the Curriculum
5. Religious and Moral Education
6. The Teaching of Evolutionary Theory
7. Citizenship

Grading
Students are assessed and graded by the following method:
Paper 1: 25%
Paper 2: 25%
End of semester presentation: 25%
Class participation and presentations: 25%

Reading
Main text:
David Carr, Making Sense of Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy and Theory of Education and Teaching
Other texts to be used:
Nigel Blake (et al), The Blackwell Guide to the Philosophy of Education
John Dewey, Democracy and Education
Anna Freud, Four Lectures on Psychoanalysis for Teachers and Parents
D.W.Hamlyn, Experience and the Growth of Understanding
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education
Nel Noddings, Philosophy of Education
R.S.Peters, Ethics and Education
R.S.Peters (ed), The Philosophy of Education
Plato, Republic, Meno
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile
B.F.Skinner, Walden Two
Kenneth Strike & Jonas Soltis, The Ethics of Teaching
J.White, Education and the Good Life
C.Winch, Key Concepts in the Philosophy of Education