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Philosophical Issues in Education - EDST2032
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Education
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: EDST1101 or enrolment in Diploma in Education Program
 
 
Excluded: GENT1525
 
 
Fee Band: 5 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the ethical, political, epistemological and metaphysical aspects of a number of important issues in education such as: determining aims of education, determining what constitutes human well being, deciding on curriculum content, examining what constitutes knowledge claims in different discipline areas, distinguishing rote learning from understanding, identifying rational in contrast to other kinds of beliefs, appreciating the special role of educators in society and their sometimes conflicting obligations towards children, parents and the state, examining arguments about provision of equal educational opportunity, and social justice considerations in school funding.


Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • Reflect critically on the conceptions of, purposes for, and goals of education, and how these relate to the student, the teacher, and the profession of teaching
  • Examine critically the conceptual issues of knowledge, meaning, curriculum, and pedagogy through theories of learning, and come to a considered evaluative position on the interplay of these conceptual issues
  • Understand and critically evaluate the political purposes of education, including an examination of the philosophical underpinning and practice of teaching in a democracy
  • Acquire and/or improve through philosophical examination, the use of the reflective skills of explanation, evaluation, analysis and argumentation.

Assessment

  • Article analysis paper (500-1500 words) - 15%
  • Essay (1500-2500 words) - 35%
  • Tutorial assessment - 15%
  • Journal notes (100-500 words/per week) - 35%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.