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$15

weekly
or $150 for 10 classes
Class

Philosophy 101 for Middle Schoolers: Mini Course

New class
Ages 11-14
Live Group Course
Want a brief introduction to to the academic discipline of philosophy? In this 10-week university-inspired mini course, students will get a snapshot into the academic discipline of philosophy from a seasoned former professor!
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(16 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 10 weeks
2-6 learners per class
45 min

What's included

10 live meetings
7 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Mastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. After each session, I will post a "Check Your Understanding" optional quiz that can be completed, attached, and sent to me via Outschool messaging.
Assessment
I will offer an optional final course assessment for parents upon request.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
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 mini course is designed to introduce young people, with little to no background in the subject, to the academic 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. 

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

This course will be 10 weeks in length and will include a 10-week discounted enrollment in the Philosophical Social Club so students can continue and/or go deeper with their philosophical discussions and interests.

Schedule:

Week 1: What is Philosophy? (refunded class for students who took the trial class)
Week 2: Presocratics and Socrates
Week 3: Socrates and Plato
Week 4: Logical Fallacies
Week 5: Rene Descartes
Week 6: Midway Review
Week 7: Determinism
Week 8: Existentialism
Week 9: Moral Philosophy/Ethics
Week 10: Philosophy and the 21st Century


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. 

*Again, all enrollees in the academic series may join the Philosophy Social Club for a 10-week 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 get a brief snapshot of key areas from the academic discipline of philosophy while at the same time learning that being a philosopher is not just for ancient times, but they too can and may already be philosophers.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Lesson 1:
What is Philosophy?
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Presocratics and Socrates
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Socrates and Plato
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Logical Fallacies
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class will be more lecture-based but 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 any notes or terms that 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.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

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 20 years of experience teaching philosophy with over 16 years teaching at the university level, where I held the position of Master Lecturer before I left to focus on homeschooling my son full-time. My main passion is to show people that the academic discipline of philosophy is still very relevant, valuable, as well as fun! I also have always been motivated to make it an easy to understand subject for all who are interested, believing everyone has access to being a philosopher in life!

Reviews

Ms. Melissa;M.A. Former University Master Lecturer suggests this class next...
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