Department Education Studies

Level Undergraduate Level 2

Module leader Dr Emma Williams

Credit value 15

Module duration 10 weeks

Assessment 100% coursework

Study location University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introduction

This module will develop your knowledge of the subject of philosophy and extend your understanding of philosophy’s role within education. You will examine different accounts of the methods and purposes of philosophy, and engage with different traditions of thought, in a way that will enable you to think critically and reflectively about the educational value of philosophy.

The module is interdisciplinary, and it includes both theoretical and practical components. It explores the way an understanding of philosophical debates can help address problems in education, teaching and learning. You will also have the opportunity to design, run and reflect on your own practical teaching activity on this module. This will enable you to develop teaching skills, and skills in communicating philosophical ideas to non-specialist and wider audiences.

Principal Module Aims and Outcomes

• To critically investigate different methods of enquiry used in philosophy and different traditions of philosophical thinking.
• To critically analyse contemporary approaches to philosophy in schools and consider alternatives.
• To explore how practical issues and experience in education can shed new light on philosophical concepts and debates.
• To examine how an understanding of philosophical assumptions about thinking, learning and teaching can assist in teaching subjects.
• To examine how an understanding of the philosophical assumptions behind school curricula can assist and enhance pupil learning.
• To use established methods and techniques proficiently, to review and consolidate literature, formulate arguments, and create examples and illustrations.

Study time

Type	Required	Optional
Lectures	9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Seminars	9 sessions of 2 hours (12%)
Tutorials	(0%)	1 session of 15 minutes
Practical classes	1 session of 3 hours (2%)
Private study	120 hours (80%)
Total	150 hours

Assessment

	Weighting
1000 Word Reflective Assignment	15%
2000 Word Essay	85%