Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - EDUC 922 G001

Advanced Seminar in Epistemology and Education (3)

Class Number: 2437

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An in-depth study of epistemological issues in education, including: concepts of perception, cognition, imagination, memory, understanding, learning and the assessment of learning. Other questions dealt with are: What are the various forms of knowledge? What are the implications for core curriculum? What epistemological assumptions underlie current educational practices? Is the relativity of knowledge thesis defensible? Are the claims of sociology of knowledge sound? What is meant by: objectivity/knowledge/belief/truth? In what sense can 'rationality' be defended as a central educational objective? Students with credit for EDUC 836 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Questions about knowledge are prominent in contemporary educaitonal discouse for a variety of reasons. We may ask, for example, the following: Are there sources of knowledge that have been traditionally or conventionally overlooked? What is the connection between our states of consciousness and what we come to know? Are knowledge claims knower-dependent? How do perceptions, emotions, beliefs and values, power play into knoweldge production? Are there different forms and sources of knowledge? How is knowledge validated, legitimized, or sanctified? How is wisdom different from knoweldge? What connections are there between forms and claims of knowledge and ethics and politics? How do we learn and acquire knowledge so that ethical ends and means are served?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics of conversation will reflect the participants’ prior and ongoing research topics and interests, as well as their academic needs, aspirations, and goals.

Grading

  • Seminar Leading 20%
  • Reading Response 30%
  • Final Paper 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Texts and audiovisual materials will be made directly available to students.  

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS