Module overview
Education is closely connected to some of the most profound questions of the human experience and social life more broadly. In this module you are invited on an exciting journey to explore the ethical assumptions, truth claims, and purposes that underlie education. You will develop the ability to engage in philosophical reasoning and debate, as well as actively applying your understanding to democratic and social challenges within and beyond the University.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate strong reasoning capabilities and a critical appraisal of philosophical arguments in education
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Develop advance communication and interpersonal skills, including a capacity to address ethical and social problems through collaboration with others
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand a range of philosophical theories and ideas that underpin and inform education practice and policy
Syllabus
- Introduction to the philosophy of education
An overview of the key thinkers, topics, and approaches to philosophical reasoning
- The meaning and purposes of education
Explore the rationale and various aims underlying education for individuals and societies
- Ethical theories and their application in education
Examine leading ethical theories in education and how they inform educational policy and practice
- Pedagogical neutrality, indoctrination, and moral education
Consider the ways teaching and education can encounter problems of moral, religious, and political bias
- Conceptions of teaching and the teacher
Explore conceptions and metaphors of teaching as an art and a science
- Philosophical approaches to education and the Socratic method
Examine how philosophical methods and philosophy as a subject can be incorporated into education
- Evaluating knowledge and truth claims in education
Investigate what counts as "legitimate" knowledge/subjects and how to evaluate different sources of evidence relevant to education
- Eastern educational philosophy
Delve into the philosophical traditions of the East and how they influence educational thinking and practice
- Justice, freedom, and equality in education
Consider issues of justice/injustice in education and how education can contribute to freedom and equality
- Democracy and education
Examine the relationship between and contribution of education to democracy, including an overview of the citizens' assembly process
- Addressing educational and social problems using philosophy
Students will work together to solve an educational or social problem using philosophical approaches
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The various teaching methods to be used during the module will be applied and modified depending on the circumstances, students, and content being addressed. Some of these teaching methods may include scenario-based pedagogy, Socratic dialogues/methods, debates, lectures, jigsaw and cooperative learning approaches, group discussions, and inquiry-based learning. Both in-person and online activities will be organised during the course of the module. There will be a two hour in-person session each week of the module.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 24 |
Independent Study | 126 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Key Journals. These are some key journals to explore and draw on throughout the module: Journal of Philosophy of Education Studies in Philosophy and Education Educational Philosophy and Theory Educational Theory Ethics and Education
Internet Resources
The Sage Handbook of Philosophy of Education.
Philosophy of Education: An Anthology.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Textbooks
Nel Noddings (2018). Philosophy of Education. New York: Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Reflection | 60% |
Audio or Video Recording | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Individual assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Individual assignment | 100% |