EDUC 582 Foundations of Christian Education

About the Course

This course deals with philosophical, historical, psychological, and sociological foundations that shape curriculum practices. It includes an introduction to the literature, theories, and designs of the curriculum. The approach will be analytical and theoretical, attempting to clarify the relationship between theory and practice. The course also explores where education has come from and where it is going. Specific areas of study include the historical, psychological, sociological, and philosophical foundations, as well as the spiritual perspective of curriculum and education. All of these will be examined from a Christian perspective, especially the Seventh-day Adventist perspective, as well as secular perspectives, in an attempt to understand where they come from and how they can help or hurt truth-seeking Christians.

Who Needs This Course?

• Graduate students:
  • MA in Education
• This course may also be taken by
  • Teachers for continuing education
  • Teachers as non-degree courses for professional development
  • Graduate students of other schools as transfer credit

Time Investment

For every 3-credit course, a student should count on at least 9 hours spent reading and reflecting, for discussion forums, application papers, projects, and other requirements. Instead of the face-to-face meeting, the three hours of the class meeting will be spent participating in online forum discussions. This means that students should plan on spending between 3 + 6 hours, that is at least 9 hours a week.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Define the curriculum in various ways, reflecting the multiplicity of meanings given to the term.
2. Develop a basic understanding of the concept of curriculum as a field.
3. Examine the contribution of various traditional and modern philosophical positions, including Christian philosophy, to the field of curriculum.
4. Explain the various psychological perspectives that enriched the way curriculums are designed.
5. Identify significant historical events and trends that have shaped the curriculum field and education in general over time and in different countries around the world.
6. Describe the sociological forces that impact education and the field of curriculum, and how they define the social purposes of schools.
7. Recognize the biblical basis of the Christian curriculum and the distinctiveness of Adventist education.
8. Reflect on the current curriculum trends.

Topics to Cover

Week 1 Introduction to Christian Education

Week 2 Christian Education & Curriculum

Week 3 Philosophical Foundation of Christian Education

Week 4 Sociological Foundation of Christian Education

Week 5 Psychological Foundation of Christian Education

Week 6 Historical Foundation of Christian Education

Week 7 Spiritual Foundation of Christian Education

Week 8 Christian Approach to Education

Week 9 Culmination Unit: Course Wrap-up