OBJECTIVES

During the course participants will:

• Read and analyze the basic writings of the major philoso­phers and practitioners who have shaped the field of nonformal, popular, and alternative education;

• Study the linkages between theory and practice as illustrated by examples of major NFE projects around the world;

• Explore critical issues of nonformal & popular education in relation to formal education and to the larger processes of development.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course will be divided into two parts.

• The first will focus on the writings which form the theoretical and conceptual basis for nonformal education including — the humanist and individualist philosophers; the structuralist writers and critics of formal education (Including a careful look at Freire's basic philosophy); the planners and systems analysts; and the practitioners. Analysis of these works will form a conceptual basis for a more thorough understanding of nonformal education and its roles in the development process.
• The second part will consist of case studies of actual projects, including discussion of Popular Education, and more recent accelerated learning approaches and how they compare with other NFE approaches. Participants will be expected to analyze and present cases that illustrate critical issues in nonformal or popular education.

REQUIREMENTS     

• Readings as assigned weekly & short written exercises.

• A written paper of 8-10 pages focusing the educational philosophy of a specific philosopher - and its implications for NFE. Due at the 6th class meeting.

• A class presentation of a case study or a critical issue.

• A substantive written paper of 20+ pages which analyzes a critical issue in nonformal, popular, or alternative education. A written outline of the paper is due by the 10th class and the paper is due at the next-to-last class.

GRADING

This course is being offered on a Pass/Fail basis with a letter grade option.  Any student wishing a letter grade must submit a written request for that option by the fourth class meeting.

TEXTS AND READINGS

The required text can be purchased at Food for Thought, a book cooperative located in downtown Amherst on the right before the CVS Pharmacy.  A set of Collected Readings will also be required. Information about purchasing the Collected Readings will be available in class.

Required Texts

Freire, Paulo. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Herder and Herder.

Rogers, Alan. (2004). Non-Formal education: Flexible schooling or participatory education? Hong Kong: Comparative Education Research Center.

Collected Readings for 719. (February, 2006). Xeroxed & Bound set of readings.

                        

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