Philosophical Stories Course (Middle School)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursProjects
1 hour per week. Optional journaling, writing, and art projects may be suggested but not required.Assessment
A final optional assessment to check the learner's understanding will be offered at the completion of the class.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
Intermediate Level
***(IMPORTANT: Learners are asked to keep cameras on in this social, discussion-based class.)*** Also, please note, this is the COURSE, not the ongoing class/club. In this 4-week discussion-based course, learners will engage in regular dialogue with others, examining the power of stories and metaphor to convey important messages, truths, and lessons. Schedule: September 15: The Power of Stories and the Nature of Truth In this lesson, we will talk about the powerful role that stories play in revealing important lessons to humans. We will then explore a folktale that examine the relationship between the existence of truth and falsehood in the world. September 22: The Collection of Knowledge, Truth, and Wisdom In this lesson, we will explore the nature of truth by examining ancient tales and philosophies that warn against any one person thinking they alone have all knowledge or wisdom, but everyone has much to learn from others. September 29: Stories Warning about Tricksters In this lesson, we will explore stories that aim to raise our awareness of tricksters, but use animals as metaphors, which help to make the messages more universal and timeless. October 6: Stories with Moral Themes In this lesson, we will explore ancient tales with moral themes. **It is also important to know that this class will not be a lecture, but will be discussion-based and learner-centered. My role will be to engage the students with questions based on a basic outline and to serve as a guide/moderator to keep us on task. The main goal will be for students to engage in discussion with each other and share their own insights and views. Given our class goals, cameras are required to be kept on. Thank you! :)
Learning Goals
Students will benefit by exploring the power of stories and metaphor to communicate important messages, truths, and lessons. In addition, they will learn about as well as be able to discuss and reflect upon various philosophical fables and tales.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
The Power of Stories and the Nature of Truth
In this opening lesson to the course, we will begin by talking about the powerful role that stories play in revealing important lessons to humans. We will then explore a folktale that examines the relationship between the existence of truth and falsehood in the world.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Collection of Knowledge, Truth, and Wisdom
In this lesson, we will continue exploring the nature of truth by examining one or more ancient tales and philosophies that warn against any one person thinking they alone have all knowledge or wisdom, but everyone has much to learn from others.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Stories Warning about Tricksters
In this lesson, we will explore stories that aim to raise our awareness of tricksters, but use animals as metaphors, which help to make the messages more universal and timeless.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Stories with Moral Themes
In this lesson, we will explore a variety of ancient tales with moral themes.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Stories will always be age-appropriate or edited/altered to make them so. Also, this class will allow for the free exchange of ideas from the learners. Therefore, parents can decide if the open-discussion nature of the class is a good fit for their young learner(s). Of course, all discussions will always be moderated in a way to keep examples and views relevant, appropriate, and in line with Outschool's policies.
Supply List
Some students find it fun to create art while chatting, so a notebook or paper might be good to have close by to draw or doodle. Some learners enjoy drawing images from the story or even making something with clay and then sharing it at the end of class! This is just an optional idea and certainly not required, but may make the class richer and more memorable for your learner.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I taught philosophy classes at a university for over 16 years, including courses in ethics, and in all of my courses I used stories to elaborate on philosophical and moral theories, reflections, and insights. It made studying the material more entertaining, memorable, and relatable. There are so many rich philosophical insights in stories of all kinds!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$10
weekly or $40 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
2-6 learners per class