Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. examine and interpret key philosophical perspectives that contribute to or have contributed to educational thought and practice
  2. appraise the purpose of applying philosophy to practical decision making about learning, learning activities and the assessment of student learning
  3. incorporate and apply philosophy and philosophical perspectives to contemporary educational issues or contexts.
    • Philosophy of education
    • Modernism and liberal educational thought
    • Post-modernist re-thinking of education
    • Philosophies of learning environments
    • Critical pedagogies for social justice
    • Using philosophy to interrogate policy
    • Philosophy beyond the school
    • Philosophy for young learners
    • Teaching philosophy through culture
    • Using philosophy across the curriculum

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Audio/Video conferencing
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Online assignment submission
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture
      • Standard Media
      • Streaming Multimedia
      • Web links

    • Online materials

      • Resources and Links
      • Online Assessment
      • FAQs
      • Audio-Video streaming

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • CUR-MED-MAS-2019
Elective
  • OUA-PSU-GCE-2019
  • UNE-PRO-GCE-2019

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - Audio/Visual equipment
  • OtherDetails -
    • Additional materials

This subject examines the nature and purpose of education. The subject explores different philosophical perspectives towards the following questions: What is education? Why do we educate? How should we educate? Its goal is to critically evaluate conflicting educational ideas, and in the process, sharpen students’ analytical and philosophical capabilities. By grappling with fundamental philosophical questions, students will engage with theoretical and practical problems of contemporary education, such as, views about human nature, society, moral development, diversity/multiculturalism, student abilities, learning theories and pedagogies of competition and cooperation.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Report (50%)
  • Essay (50%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

postgraduate CUR-MED-MAS-2019

Master of Education

postgraduate OUA-PSU-GCE-2019

Postgraduate Single Subjects

postgraduate UNE-PRO-GCE-2019

Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice