Philosophical Perspectives on the Aims of Education, 7.5 credits

Contents

This course provides an overview of the epistemology of education. The aim of the course is to promote a critical and reflective perspective on the teacher’s role, based on philosophical work in epistemology and the philosophy of education. The course is useful both for new student teachers and for practitioners seeking new perspectives for further development.

The course covers various aspects of education, including knowledge transmission, challenges to the knowledge model, education for understanding, fostering understanding, teaching for skill and practical knowledge, critical thinking, as well as trust, honesty, and expertise in the classroom. It also examines philosophical models and approaches for promoting understanding and intellectual virtues such as curiosity and critical thinking.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have:

Knowledge and Understanding

• Have knowledge and understanding of contemporary philosophical work in epistemology and its applications to educational theory and practice.

*Skills and Abilities *

• Have the basic ability to construct philosophical arguments.
• Have the ability to apply abstract philosophical ideas to concrete scenarios.
• Have the ability to understand and critically engage with philosophical texts.

Judgement and Approach:

• Have basic ability to review and evaluate philosophical texts.
• Have basic ability to critically discuss philosophical problems.

Required Knowledge

60 credits in a humanities or social science subject. In addition, English 6/Level 2.

Form of instruction

The teaching will take the form of lectures, seminars and exercises. The teaching will be in English.

Examination modes

The examination consists of an essay, for which students can receive the grades U (Fail), G (Pass), or VG (Pass with Distinction), as well as seminars, for which students can receive the grades U–G (Fail–Pass). For the grade G (Pass) on the entire course, the student must receive a Pass on both the essay and the seminars. To receive the grade VG (Pass with Distinction) for the entire course, the student must have achieved Pass with Distinction on the essay.

A reexamination must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, however, the retest must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced and a copy of the students' exam is available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first reexamination may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one further reexamination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, so-called collection test. Those who have passed the exam may not undergo a new exam for a higher grade.

The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered according to the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.