Philosophy of education, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The philosophy of education touches on several core areas of philosophy, including epistemology, the philosophy of mind and of language, and social, moral and political philosophy.

This course will focus primarily but not exclusively on the political aspects of education. For students with prior knowledge of political philosophy, the course offers in depth study of some central political issues. For students with a background in education, such as teachers, the course offers an introduction to philosophy and in particular political philosophy, with education as the recurring area of application.

Topics covered include the use of grades, the privatization of schools, equality in education, school choice, the content of the curriculum and parents' influence over their children's education.

Readings include a number of fundamental texts in the philosophy and history of education - from classics such as Plato, Rousseau and Dewey, to recent contributions by Gutmann, Brighouse and Noddings. The course will further students' understanding of such fundamental concepts in philosophy as freedom, power, equality, knowledge and the good life.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course the students will have:
Knowledge and understanding:

• displayed knowledge and understanding of central concepts, theories, problems and arguments in philosophy of education
• displayed considerable knowledge and understanding of political issues concerning education.

Skill and ability:

• displayed an ability to write philosophical texts
• displayed an ability to express the knowledge and understanding acquired during the course

Assessment and attitude:

• displayed insight into some political issues concerning education and its role in society.

Required Knowledge

90 ECTS courses in philosophy or education, or a Bachelors degree (180 ECTS), or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction consists of internet based lectures and seminars.

Examination modes

The examination consists of writing assignments and active participation in seminars (which will include short essays as well as participation in the seminars). On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results and decided only after all mandatory parts are passed.
A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.
For students who do not pass the regular examination there is another opportunity to do the examination. A student who has failed two examinations for a course or segment of a course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 6, section 22). Requests for new examiners are made to the Faculty of Humanities.

Academic credit transfer
Transfer of credits is handled by Student Services/Degree Evaluation Office. See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/transfer-of-credits/