J60N FRASER UNIVERSITY

P11 Semester 1999

EDUC 230 - 3

?

Dr. H. Bai

Introduction to Philosophy of Education

Office: MPX 8666

Tel: ?

291-5443

D01.00 ?

E-mail: hbai@sfu.ca

PREREQUISITE

None

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The heart of philosophy has always been critical reflection and inquiry, which we need in order

to lead an examined life. Without a rigorously critical examination of the aims, values, and

assumptions that underlie our theory and practice of education, we fall prey to restless

consumerism where we rapidly exchange one slogan/proposal/program for another. Or,

conversely, becoming helpless in the face of controversial matters is another indicator of the

need to equip ourselves with philosophical dispositions and tools for critical reflection and inquiry.

This course, then, aims at helping students develop such dispositions and tools in the field of

education through exposing them to the major theories and themes in the history of educational

thought; guided in-class exercises; and dialogue and group work in seminars.

OBJECTIVES

• the ability to read texts accurately and critically

• the ability to employ philosophical vocabulary pertinent to educational issues.

• the ability to examine personal and other people's experiences in the light of concepts and

theories, and vice versa

• the ability to compose carefully conceptualized and reasoned arguments

• the ability to engage in productive dialogues with other interlocutors in a convivial manner by

offering and receiving critically assessed points of view

REQUIREMENTS

Coursework consists of three kinds of assignments: small weekly in-class exercises; an exam based

on the content knowledge of the textbook; and the group work of scripting and performing a

dialogue piece. We will discuss the details of the assignments on the first day of class.

TEXT

Noddings, N. Philosophy of Education. Boulder: Westview Press, 1995. ISBN: 0-8133-8430-3.