Class Assignment Page for PHIL 9070

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Readings from Philosophical Foundations of Education (7th ed.), by Ozmon and Craver:

Eight essays (3-5 pages each) will comprise your written assignments for the course. The essay topics, questions, and due dates are as follows:

NOTE:  PHILED class list discussions will be posted for class dialogue and debate during these time frames as well. It is important to note that your ESSAYS should be sent electronically directly to your professor at rbarnett@valdosta.edu, and not to the PHILED class list, which is reserved for class dialogue and information-exchange.

 

Topic #1---Basically, the first challenge posed is to explain why modern Idealists are so attracted to the Great Books type of instruction (similar to that introduced in the 1950's at the University of Chicago, by the way). Our text mentions the Great Books (p. 29) in a discussion about Idealism, and your challenge is to analyze this within the context of Idealist Philosophy. Reflect on the central tenets of Idealism and explain why this type of instruction appeals to modern Idealists. [Pp. 1-47]

    Due date for Topic 1: Aug. 28

Topic #2---This challenge raises the debate over 'Objective' measures of performance and learning (stressed by the Realist), as distinct from 'Subjective' development and learning (as stressed by the Idealist): can subjective attitudes and values be objectively measured? Should they be? How are inner, personal aspects of learning to be compared and contrasted to outer, impersonal aspects of learning, according the the Idealists and Realists? [Pp. 48-90]

    Due date for Topic 2: Sept. 11

Topic #3---(Still on the Idealism and Realism chapters.) Should English be required as the primary language in the schools? Even for students who live and go to school in predominantly non-English speaking communities? Debates on bi-lingual schooling are part of this...see these websites for examples of some earlier debate issues: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilingual_education;   http://coe.sdsu.edu/people/jmora/Prop227/BERoadmap.htm . Research and develop your views on this lively debate, and reflect on what the Idealist and Realist philosophies might have to say on this contemporary debate.

    Due date for Topic 3: Sept. 25

Topic#4---Eastern Philosophy contrasts with Western Thought in several ways, in particular as it applies to educational theory and practice. Of course, there are many similarities, too. As you read the materials in chapter 3 on Eastern Philosophy and Religion, I am interested in your reactions and impressions concerning several of the claims made. Your essay is to share these impressions and discuss two or three questions you find most important. [Pp. 91-126]

    Due date for Topic 4: Oct. 9

Topic #5---Pragmatism stresses the integration of learning and acting, and the importance of students' experiences being associated with what they learn as facts, in order to develop abilities to act constructively in the real-world society which is ever-changing. The Pragmatist's 'educational relativity,' and their rejection of fixed, compartmentalized disciplines of education, have produced much criticism of this philosophy. Why the criticism, do you think?  Explain, and give examples.

    Due date for Topic 5: Oct. 23

Topic#6---Reconstructionist philosophy urges social activism in the schools, as students are to become civic leaders. Yet this raises the controversy of political causes in the educational curriculum, and the question of appropriate social and political intervention in the schools. Join in a lively debate on this timely topic. Defend or criticize Reconstructionist philosophy of education with convincing arguments; your positions are important!

    Due date for Topic 6: Nov. 6

Topic #7---Behaviorism urges the consistent use of operant conditioning in learning, as developed by the psychologist B.F. Skinner. What benefits, and what problems, do you see being raised in this philosophy's application to schooling and to education reform? Use examples to help illustrate your ideas.

    Due date for Topic 7: Nov. 20

Topic#8---Option 1: (Related to Chp. 7) Philosophers who promote Existentialism and Phenomenology as proper philosophies of education insist on an inner, self-reflective study of human experience and self-understanding, as vital to learning and acting. One might see this approach as the direct opposite of the Behaviorist's outward, behavioristic model for approaching learning and education. What problems, or what benefits, do you perceive with existential philosophy of education? Why?

Option 2: (Related to Chp. 10) On pg. 351, the authors discuss general tenets of the postmodernists' conception of methods and curriculum in schools, as their philosophy is articulated. Explore this facet of educational philosophy, and develop your own ideas pro or con with respect to postmodernism.

    Due date for Topic 8: Dec. 4

Bonus essay (optional): Compare and contrast main features of two of the topics covered in the text, but not reflected in the above topics; that is, Analytical philosophy and Marxism. (Due Dec. 7)

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