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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

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