The purpose of this course is to explore the intellectual and pedagogical relations between and among pragmatism, postmodernism, and complexity theory, specifically as each presents a challenge to the assumptions of modern schooling. The over-arching theme linking these three is that of transformation, an understanding of which is vital to teacher education in an increasingly complex world. Transformation and change figure prominently in the writings of William E Doll, Jr., whose intellectual trajectory through these three areas testifies not only to the breadth of his scholarship, but also to his intimate relation to the terrain of educational thought. Through his unique insights one sees that which sits outside the realm of conventional scholarship — and yet which has such a bearing on our work as educators.
This course is offered to graduate students interested in developing teaching strategies resulting from a close reading of selected materials; and who are seriously interested in improving their writing skills for either masters/doctoral examinations or publications. All students will be required to do initial readings; in addition, each will choose one area from the three topics –– Pragmatism, Post-Modernism, Complexity Theory (PPCT–– for in-depth study. Participants will receive intensive feedback on their writings. Rewriting to develop depth of insight and clarity of expression will be a feature of the course.
This course is team-taught by two instructors who provide different viewpoints, who have taught and written together for five years, who have worked together editing the online journal Complicity, and who are interested in helping new authors prepare their work for publication.
In keeping with the theme and subject matter of the course, the format is an emergent curriculum, i.e., students will all begin with the same readings; in session two, after determining an area of interest, each student will begin independent study and participate in class discussions.
All students will be required to read and critically analzye articles from Pragmatism, Post-Modernism, and Complexity Theory: The Fascinating Imaginative Realm of Wm. E. Doll, Jr. (articles will be provided with permission of Routledge Taylor-Francis, publishers).
Students will choose, based on their interests, one of the following books for in-depth study:
There are 4 assignments for this course. Three short papers, each 20% of the final grade, due for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th meetings; one presentation and accompanying final paper, 40% of final grade, for AAACS.
Fridays, 5:00-8:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00am – 2:00pm
The five Friday/Saturday face-to-face classes will be at UBC. Participants will discuss in and present to both small groups and large. Non-campus meetings will be arranged electronically (email, Skype, FaceTime) in between UBC sessions (TBA) to work with students in developing analytical and writing skills.
Prior to meeting, students will receive five chapters from PPCT and select one for study and discussion.
Yvette Kharoube, Senior Program Assistant
604-827-5662, yvette.kharoubeh@ubc.ca