Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to a small but representative sample of basic questions and issues in education. Students will examine questions relating to: the concept or idea of education; learning and the learner; teaching and the teacher; and more generally, the broader contexts of education. This course also introduces students to different ways of exploring educational questions and issues from philosophical and critical analysis, to historical and cross-cultural studies, to empirical research. Cannot be taken for credit by students with credit for 300 and 400 level education courses. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The primary aim of the course is for students to develop knowledgeable and critical perspectives on the value and meaning of education in relationship to their own experiences and understandings. Through our classroom activities, readings, and online discussions, we will create an empowering learning community to explore a small but representative sample of big ideas, questions, and issues of importance to 21st century education. Emphasis is placed on fostering students’ ability to reflect creatively, critically, and empathically on their own educational journeys.

Taught in a seminar format, this course is organized around questions and issues that require ethical deliberation concerning the field of education. Learning involves posing questions, solving problems, exercising ingenuity, questioning assumptions, collaborating, debating, and experimenting with diverse ideas, texts, and perspectives. Part of the course will be designed and taught by the students as a way of developing culturally relevant curriculum, increasing opportunities for multiple viewpoints, and supporting genuine participation. Students will also benefit from creative instructional strategies, interactive lessons, and a variety of technology-supported learning activities aimed to facilitate understanding of the challenges facing schools, school systems, educators, learners, curriculum, and pedagogy.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is designed to help students develop a depth of expertise for identifying and interpreting the big ideas and complex issues in contemporary education contexts, as well as their own lives and learning circumstances. In the reflective writing assignments, and throughout the course, an emphasis is placed on connecting personal experience, observation, and belief with an understanding of the broader philosophical, social, and political issues in education. As this is a writing-intensive course, students will have the opportunity to refine their research and writing skills and participate in group/partner writing activities, critiques, and discussions. This approach affords each student the opportunity to focus on an educational issue of personal interest or concern while contributing to others’ understandings and insights.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: