Basic Issues in Education

Based on the history of ideas this course gives an introduction into basic questions on how practical and theoretical knowledge and actions have been understood within various pedagogical traditions. The course will focus on practical knowledge as it is presented in recent literature within the science of education. Some of the key concepts and terms are: practical wisdom, experience, judgement, tact, creativity, play and improvisation. Emphasis will be placed on the relation between upbringing and democracy, on the pedagogical relation, and on special aspects of learning within institutional contexts.

The subject gives thorough knowledge on and theoretical insight into:
- The place of theory in education science.
- The practical and theoretical dimensions of the knowledge concept.
- The relation between practice and theory in science of education.
- The history and relevance of the concept of Bildung in modern pedagogy.
- Democracy and equality.
- Institutionalized learning processes.
- Teacher roles.

Four hours of lecture per week. Seminars and discussion forums/ reflection groups will be integrated into the lectures. Compulsory activity: The students may choose a) a written paper of 4-6 pages, or b) hold a presentation in one of the seminars. For those who choose to write a paper: The subject of the paper must be approved by the supervisor before it is handed in, and the paper must be marked as passed before the examination can be taken. The deadline for handing in papers is November 3rd. (autumn semester) and April 15th. (spring semester).