Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - EDUC 100W D100

Selected Questions and Issues in Education (3)

Class Number: 4352

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

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 course will primarily be focused on questions of literacy (reading and writing and beyond), learning, and technology, and the role of these things in education (in a broad sense) and the cultivation of attention.

This course will be “tech-free,” meaning that we will not use any electronic devices in the classroom at all, including mobile phones. Since this is a writing-intensive course, there will be a lot of writing, but very little and perhaps no work will be submitted electronically, and most writing will be by hand. This might sound strange, but a lot of what we do in this course will be unusual, and I hope that by breaking out of some of our usual technological habits, we can more critically understand technologies of literacy (which include everything from pencils to ChatGPT).

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, my hope is that students:

  • Have more questions than answers about education
  • Have a broad and experiential understanding of the role of literacy in learning
  • Have attempted to approach an understanding of big concepts like reading, writing, knowledge, education, schooling, learning, truth, ideas, thinking, wisdom, and meaning, to name just a few. 
Have practiced cultivating attention and reflected deeply on their own experience of education in a broad sense

Grading

NOTES:

The syllabus will be negotiated during the first few weeks of class, but the course will use labour-based/ contract grading. The most important way to do well in this course will be to show up and participate in in-class writing, large and small group discussion, and collaborative projects.
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Notebook, pens, pencils, etc

REQUIRED READING:

Rocha, S. D. (2014). A primer for philosophy and education (2nd ed.). Cascade Books.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Many shorter readings to be handed out in class. Students will also need to choose and procure a physical book of their choice, and read it throughout the semester.

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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.