Philosophy of Education

Greg Moses, Spring 1996


Course Description:

In order to aid reflection on education in modern American society, we will read three works of global influence in philosophical pedagogy and one study of economic disparity in American schools. Students will be encouraged to develop their own positions on a variety of issues, including their own educational development, the student-teacher relationship, and the nature of the relationship between society and education.


Course Requirements:

The final grade will be made up of five grades equally weighed. Attendance is mandatory. More than one evening’s absence will result in the loss of a letter grade, etc.

NOTES:

Students are encouraged to initiate Praxis alternatives for course requirements. All assignments, except the final narrative, shall be prepared for class sharing (please put your name on a cover sheet which can be detached from the work.) Any requests for confidentiality should be made clearly, in writing, on the cover sheet of the assignment.


Required Texts:

Maria Montessori. The Absorbent Mind. New York: Henry Holt, 1995.
John Dewey. Democracy and Education. New York: Free Press, 1966.
Paulo Friere. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum, 1995.
Jonathan Kozol. Savage Inequalities. New York: Harper, 1991.


Schedule of Readings and Deadlines:

January
18-Introduction
25-Montessori 1-107 Practice Discussion Teams
February
1-Montessori 108-200 LIST OF TOPICS W/ STATEMENTS OF INTEREST (3 MAX.)
8-Montessori 201-296
15-Dewey 1-68 BIBLIOGRAPHY
22-Dewey 69-123
29-Dewey 124-179 CLUSTERED? PROPOSALS DUE (2-4 PER TEAM)
March
7-Dewey 180-249 (Responses due early.)
Spring Break
21-Dewey 250-305 SET PRESENTATION SCHEDULES
28-Dewey 306-360 PRESENTATIONS BEGIN
April
4-Friere 1-67 (Responses due early.)
Easter Break
11-Friere 68-164 PRESENTATIONS
18-Kozol 83-132 PRESENTATIONS
25-Kozol 133-205 PRESENTATIONS
FINAL NARRATIVE MEDITATION DUE

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