190021 VO BM 8 Theoretische Grundlagen der Problemstellungen (AHP) (2021S)

The central assumption of this course is that an educational theory not only proposes a specific understanding of what is educational in education (e.g., initation, Bildung, emancipation, learning, etc.), but also reflects and conveys a particular educational epistemology which has methodological consequences for conducting educational research, including the ethical and political questions that unfold in connection to the research. The aim of the course is first, to make students acquainted with major currents in educational thinking (1900-present) and how these related to one another, and second to raise an awareness for the interdependency of educational theories and research methodologies.

The course gives on overview of major currents in educational thinking and discusses per current (1) the historical context and theoretical assumptions; (2) central educational concepts, theories, and ways of thinking; (3) repercussions for and influence on educational research; (4) exemplary cases of educational research.

After an introductory lecture in which the general set-up of the course is explained as well as the central topics are introduced there will be thematic lectures on (1) empirical-analytic approaches, (2) pragmatism, (3) phenomenology, (4) Geisteswissenschaftliche Pädagogik, (5) critical pedagogy, (6) linguistic-analytic approaches, (7) postmodern and poststructuralist tendencies, and (8) critical and speculative realism. Central questions that run throughout the course have to do with the relationship between educational theory and educational practice, the significance of the empirical (‘experience’) for educational research, and the scientific and political character of educational research. During the last lectures these questions will be fleshed out further based on contemporary discussions in educational theory.