Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

Philosophers are ‘lovers of wisdom’ who are interested in engaging with the ‘big questions’ - the meaning of life, the limits of our knowledge, what is right and wrong and what it means to be a human being. Since its origins as a discipline 2500 years ago, philosophers have been fascinated by education. They have questioned what it means, what it is for, what it can and should do, who should be involved and what it should include.

This module will critically examine the contributions of key philosophers to our understanding of education, ranging from thinkers in the eighteenth century such as Rousseau to thinkers like Dewey who have shaped thinking beyond the 20th century. Drawing from these conceptualisations, the module will consider the nature of knowledge, truth, freedom, power, morality and justice and the position of education (curriculum, assessment, schooling, teaching and learning) in relation to each of these. In particular, it will consider what how these conceptualisations of education are played out in alternative educational provision, such as homeschooling and forest schools. It will develop the capacity to philosophise – to think, to reflect, to analyse and to question.

Outline Of Syllabus

Stage 1 students have been briefly introduced to the Philosophy of Education (in the form of the early philosophers such as Plato in History of Education – EDU1005). This module provides students with a broader and deeper grounding in the Philosophy of Education in terms of key philosophers between the 18th and 20th centuries (such as Rousseau, Dewey and Wollstonecraft). The first half of the module considers how the work of Philosophers informs our thinking about the educational concepts of: freedom, knowledge, truth, morality, democracy, power, justice. The second half of the module allows students to apply these concepts to radical, alternative and informal educational practices, such as homeschooling, early years and community education. Concepts such as equality, equity, knowledge and meaning are also considered in relation to formal schooling practices. The module begins with an
introduction to Philosophy of Education. The module discusses key Philosophers in the 18th Century, Moral education, Feminism and Philosophy, Democratic Schooling, Homeschooling, Early Years education,
Informal education, Equality versus equity in education and philosophies of knowledge, meaning and identity. The module finishes with a summary and essay preparation.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• Outline and critically evaluate philosophical perspectives on the nature of education and educational methods (A1, A3, A4);

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of philosophical concepts and their value to educational theory and practice (e.g. freedom, knowledge, truth, morality, democracy, power, justice, equity, equality) (C6, C7,C8);

• Apply a philosophical approach to aspects of educational theory and practice (curriculum, assessment, schooling, learning and teaching) (B4, B2, A4).

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Be able to critically evaluate philosophical perspectives and concepts on the nature of education
from a range of primary and secondary sources (A1, B4, B2, D8).

• Organise and articulate opinions and arguments in speech and writing using relevant specialist
vocabulary, including by means of well prepared, clear and confident presentation and coherent,
concise written documents (D1).

• Use ICT in their study and other appropriate situations (D2).

• Use library and other information sources skilfully and appropriately (D3).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lecture series will scaffold students’ understandings of philosophical perspectives on the nature of education and educational methods. Students will have the opportunity to develop a critical awareness of philosophical concepts and apply these to educational theory and practice through seminar discussions. The guided independent study will reinforce and extend the understanding and criticality which has been explored in lectures and seminars.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay is an appropriate way to assess both philosophical understanding and criticality when applying philosophical concepts to aspects of educational theory and practice. The pre-recorded individual oral presentation will enable students to demonstrate their ability to critically apply philosophical ideas in relation to an aspect of educational theory and practice.

General Notes

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