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EDUCATION 435
Educational Theory and Theory Criticism:
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Current Issues in Education
Bruce McPherson
Simon Fraser University
Fall, 1977
This course will examine current issues in educational theory. The main
works of theory will be related to their use in educational settings and to
their larger social and political implications. Assumptions of the course are
that no one theory predominates in education; that social and political factors
are crucial in the crux between theory and practise; that any constructive
reform in education must be based on theoretical underpinnings that are
purposive and understood.
Topics to be discussed include: The hidden curriculum; Liberal education;
The political economy of schooling; Personal growth and self-awareness;
Development as the aim of education; Natural man as the basis for education;
The curriculum revolutions; Dialogue as a means of education; Alternative
schooling; De-schooling; Education for "developing" cultures; Education and
community.
The course will be carried on in two successive contexts:
1.
Reflective analysis of a case or a set of questions based on the
general topic under consideration for the meeting.
2. Generally this will be followed by large group case discussions to
pool and clarify issues. Occasionally there will be films, and
guest discussion leaders.
Requirements
1.
One page analysis of set readings to be handed in each class.
2.
Small group reports to class on special topics during latter
part of course.
3.
Structured "take-home" paper at the end of the course: half of
the paper will deal with issues on which all students will write;
half of the paper will deal with a topic of the students' own
choosing -- hopefully an effort to integrate past experience with
issues raised and discussed in the course.
Readings Include:
Schooling in Capitalist America, Bowles and Gintis
Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Paulo Freire
Education and Community, Donald Oliver
Summerhill, A. S. Neill
The Night is Dark and I am Far From Home, Jonathan Kozol