Philosophy for Children

Engage in philosophical inquiry with a wider audience than the academic setting of the university.

In this course, students will research and review Philosophy for Children methodologies, develop lesson plans, and facilitate Philosophy for Children sessions, putting into practice the methodologies and insights of this field of inquiry and area of practice. The goal is also to engage with a diversity of learners in different educational settings, paying particular attention to the unique pedagogical and ethical issues these might give rise to. We will examine theoretical literature in the field, develop lesson plans for facilitating philosophy sessions for school age children, create a community of philosophical inquiry in the seminar through the consideration of various philosophical questions, and collaborate to broaden and improve our work in schools. The course will introduce students to effective pedagogical skills and ways of engaging in philosophical inquiry with a wider audience than the academic setting of the university.