Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - EDUC 100W D500

Selected Questions and Issues in Education (3)

Class Number: 7028

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

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:

This is an introductory course that opens general questions around learning and teaching. We will look at the larger framework of education and schooling, as well as at experiences and processes of learning that occur for all of us – whether inside or outside the classroom. We will explore what learners will want to encounter to help bring about the kinds of societies that enable flourishing and well-being. This includes questions around relational learning, ecological learning, social justice and Indigeneity. You will also be invited to reflect meaningfully on your own educational journey and learning processes, and how these might be better understood in light of the relevant questions we raise.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Become aware of, and inquire into, relevant topics as they pertain to education: social justice, Indigeneity, environmental & ecological learning
  • Engage in relational learning through meaningful and respectful conversation on complex and sensitive topics
  • Reflect on personal experiences of learning and how they relate to the above topics
  • Gain practice and support in various forms of writing: critical analysis, personal reflection, narrative

Grading

  • Reading responses and seminar co-facilitation 35%
  • Learning Narrative 30%
  • Inquiry project and sharing 35%

NOTES:

This is an in-person seminar, and your engaged participation is an integral part of the course.

Note: there is no final exam

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Gereluk, D., Martin, C., Maxwell, B., and Norris, T. (2016). Questioning the classroom: Perspectives on Canadian education. Oxford Press. ISBN: 9780199010035 (print); 9780199010042 (ebook)

RECOMMENDED READING:

Davidson, S. F. & Davidson, R. (2018). Potlach as pedagogy: Learning as ceremony. Portage & Main Press. ISBN 9781553797753 (ebook)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.