EDUC 336: "Democratic Humanism" and Christianity

After reading the definition(s) of humanism found at the American Humanist Association, answer the following question in one post and then comment on another post.

Given Barton & Levstik's fondness of "Democratic Humanism" as the dominant ethos for social studies educators, we should pursue the philosophy's meaning a bit deeper. While it's possible that Barton and Levstik use the term "humanism" in the generic sense of "the betterment of humanity," it seems that their overall philosophy presented in the book is consistent with many of the humanist values enunciated by the AHA. It's important to note here that there is certainly such a thing as "Christian Humanism" and that the first Humanists were in fact Christians. That being said, what is your impression of Humanism as a philosophy, as it pertains to social studies education? Do you see it in direct conflict with Christian values and worldview or are Humanist and Christian values reconcilable? Should "Democratic Humanism" be embraced or rejected by Christian educators?

The Industrial Food System

Based on our reading of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation and viewing of King Corn, what in your opinion needs to be done to change how our society feeds itself? Should local and state governments consider banning or taxing various harmful "foods" as some governments have banned trans fats?
Or, should we change our farm program (agricultural subsidies) to encourage more high nutrition, sustainable foods as opposed to low nutrition crops like corn & soybeans? In other words is it better to change the system at the producer end or at the consumer end?

Give a thoughtful response of your own and then respond to at least two other posts.

EDUC 336 Discussion: Your Worldview and Your Teaching

To what extent should a social studies teacher's personal worldview impact their teaching? Is it inevitable that a teacher's personal biases and presuppositions will impact their classroom? How comfortable will you be with displaying your own worldview through your teaching? Social Studies, perhaps more than any other discipline, poses this dilemma for teachers. How will you grapple with this as you craft your own philosophy of social studies education?

Give a thoughtful response to these questions and then comment on two or more of the other posts (for this you might want to wait a day or two to let the discussion build).

* One note* Before class on next Tuesday (1/20), the pages numbers for the Singer book (in the course outline) are for the 2nd edition - you should read the entire first chapter for this week and then one chapter per week after that.

The Panama Deception & Confessions of an Economic Hitman

After reading the chapters about Panama in John Perkins's Confessions of an Economic Hitman and watching The Panama Deception, what is your initial reaction? Also, what similarities are there between US actions towards Panama in the 1980's and American foreign policy today?


You should leave one comment of your own and then follow up by commenting on two other commentator's posts.