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Philosophy 101 Academic Series: Being a Kid Philosopher Part 1

A university-inspired Philo 101 kids curriculum will be introduced in the form of a discussion-based chat series. Kids will learn what it means to be a philosopher in the world as well as reflect on if they already might be philosophers!
Ms. Melissa (M.A. Former University Lecturer)
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(9)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Mastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. After each session, I will post a "Check Your Understanding" quiz that can be completed, attached, and sent to me via Outschool messaging.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 6
Beginner Level
* Important: Due to the discussion-based and interactive nature of the class, cameras are required to be kept on for the duration of class. Thank you!

My university-inspired Philo 101 kids academic series is designed to introduce novices to the discipline of philosophy. For advanced students with heavier background in the subject or who would like/need more individualized attention, I suggest 1:1 tutoring so we can explore the material at their level. 

In this ongoing series, students will be introduced to the discipline of philosophy in a fun, engaging way with university-inspired curriculum adjusted to meet the level and interests of tweens. What that means is, with time, they will be collecting the same types of tools that are offered to introductory college students, just in a less formal or complex way.

The goal is to build a community of young philosophers who grow, at their own pace, in their knowledge and understanding about the discipline of philosophy and what it means to participate in life as a philosopher. In addition, little by little, they will be acquiring comprehension of academic terms, concepts, and theories from the discipline. 

Classes will be focused on students engaging in regular class discussions as I introduce the material, clarify concepts, provide examples, and moderate the group discussions. 

Each part in the series will be 4 weeks in length. We will begin by exploring the following topics below during the first 4 weeks (or Part 1 of this Series):

Week 1: What is Philosophy? Part 1: Traits of a Philosophical Person
Week 2: What is Philosophy? Part 2: Western Philosophy’s Origins in Ancient Greece
Week 3: What is Philosophy? Part 3: Philosophy Today and Main Branches in the Discipline
Week 4: What is Philosophy? Part 4: The Role of Critical Thinking, Argument, and Debate

No prior knowledge of philosophy is required and again, students who find themselves in a more advanced position or who would like/need more individualized attention may benefit from one-on-one tutoring opportunities. 

*In addition, all enrollees in the academic series may join the Philosophy Club for a discounted price where they can enjoy additional practice exploring fun conversation challenges with other learners who are also interested in having more philosophical discussions! The club's focus is a more informal and relaxed environment so a perfect place to just have some extra philosophical chat time!
Learning Goals
Students will learn that being a philosopher in the world was not just for ancient times, nor is it only something we can become when we are older. This series will take a discussion-based approach to introducing students to key terms, concepts, and thinkers in the history of philosophy, while at the same time, welcoming them to participate in the world as young philosophers.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
What is Philosophy? Part 1: Traits of a Philosophical Person
 In this lesson, we will reflect on what the traits are of a philosophical person, so we can personally relate to what extent we are already philosophical, but also realize that being a philosopher is about the way someone engages with the world rather than anything about their physical characteristics or even age. "Philosophy begins in wonder" - Plato. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
What is Philosophy? Part 2: Western Philosophy's Origins in Ancient Greece
 In this lesson, we will explore why ancient Greece is credited with the birthplace of Western Philosophy. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
What is Philosophy? Part 3: Philosophy Today and Main Branches in the Discipline
 In this lesson, we will discuss what philosophy is as an academic  discipline in modern times, and what it has in common with its roots, history, as well as its value into the future. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
What is Philosophy? Part 4: The Role of Critical Thinking, Argument, and Debate
 In this lesson, we will look more closely at the vital role critical thinking,  rational argumentation, and logical debate plays in the academic discipline of philosophy. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
I do not plan to share any media at this point in time, but 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.
Pre-Requisites
None
Supply List
Students may benefit from having a "Philosopher's Notebook" for the class to jot down terms we learn during the meeting, any questions that arise during or after class, and/or consider using it to engage in philosophical reflections after class or throughout the week. Some students find it fun to create art while chatting, so a notebook or paper might be good to have close by, but it is not required.
5.0
9reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Old Dominion University
I am a former university lecturer that specialized in making introductory courses fun, engaging, and relevant to everyday life. I have over 16 years of experience teaching at the university level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to focus on homeschooling my son full-time. In addition, I have over 3 formal years teaching philosophy courses to kids, ages 6-16. I volunteered at both a local public high school as well as a private school alongside performing my teaching duties at the university.  

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$15

weekly or $60 for 4 classes
1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
2-6 learners per class

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