Philosophy Of Education –

phl713

(3 credits)

Why a course in the philosophy of higher education? This course will commence with basic questions that underlie the philosophical foundations in the context of a global society that impact on the evolving nature of higher education in the 21st century. Philosophical perspectives on cultural values, beliefs (both secular and non-secular), and goals of education will be examined from classical times through current philosophers and theorists. The course will culminate with the students developing a personal philosophy of higher education that emerges from the study of various world philosophies, ethical theories, and purposes of learning.

Course Competencies

• Explore the development of philosophical and ethical theories of Eastern, Middle Eastern, Western, and indigenous thought, with an emphasis on their effects on higher education.
• Evaluate the effect of major events from a global perspective as they relate to the conditions of society, the academy, gender issues, and ethnic and racial groups.
• Examine global concepts and theories pertaining to the philosophy of education, including but not limited to philosophical theoretical terms—such as constructivism, essentialism, postmodernism, and pragmatism—and the debates that surround them.
• Recognize the importance and practical application of philosophical and educational theories, which helps provide a working foundation to higher education researchers in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies.
• Develop an in-depth personal philosophy of higher education for the 21st century, utilizing global philosophical theories and cultural beliefs of education.
• Relate the contributions to higher education of the major philosophical and ethical thinkers throughout Eastern, Middle Eastern, Western, and indigenous history.