The Art of Teaching Philosophy - by Brynn F Welch (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From a team of renowned and innovative philosophy teachers, this volume offers accessible reflections and practical suggestions for constructing a successful philosophy course. The collection covers syllabus design, classroom management, and exercises and assessments, with each section concluding with insights from students on what they have learned from studying philosophy. An essential resource for teachers of philosophy at any stage of their career, each contribution balances reflective values with concrete practices and presents a valuable discussion about theories of philosophy pedagogy"--

Book Synopsis

Teaching is a moral enterprise through which we reflect our most deeply held values. Thoughtful teaching begins before the syllabus is written and continues well beyond the end of the semester. In this book a team of over 30 renowned and innovative US philosophy teachers offer accessible reflections and practical suggestions for constructing a philosophy course.

Our classroom can mimic dynamics that emerge in the broader society, or it can teach students new ways of engaging with one another. From syllabus design and classroom management to exercises and assessments, each chapter answers frequently asked questions: How do we balance lecture with discussion? What are our goals? When we're leading a discussion and a student (or several students) say false things, what should we do? What are the costs of correcting them? Here is an in-depth exploration of topics such as content selection, assessment design, mentorship, and making teaching count professionally.

Each contribution balances reflective values with concrete advice emerging from tried-and-tested practices. Insightful discussions about theories of philosophy pedagogy feature throughout. Divided into The Philosophy Course, The Philosophy Classroom, Exercises and Assignments, and What Comes Next, chapters include insights from students on what they have learned from studying philosophy. For teachers of philosophy at any stage of their career this is a must-have resource.

Review Quotes

"This collection of strategies, ideas, and inspiration is a primer for teaching excellence in philosophy. Each essay is like that "hallway chat" with a talented, creative, and caring teaching mentor, one that sparks the pedagogical imagination and brings joy and excitement to teaching philosophy." --Renée Smith, Professor of Philosophy, Coastal Carolina University, USA

"This is a phenomenally helpful collection of essays by all-star philosophy teachers. Chock full of exciting ideas and great advice distilled from vast experience, this volume should help and inspire all philosophers to up their game in the classroom." --Russ Shafer-Landau, Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

"The Art of Teaching Philosophy offers perspectives from internationally renowned experts on philosophical pedagogy and winners of prestigious teaching awards. The book should be practically useful for anyone teaching philosophy. The editor, Brynn Welch, describes the many contributions here as "hallway chats," helping us learn to teach from philosophy teachers." --Fritz McDonald, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Committee on Teaching Philosophy of the American Philosophical Association, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA

"An excellent collection from some of the best philosophy teachers in the United States. Novice and experienced teachers alike will find inspiration for their classrooms in the thoughtful and well-rounded contributions. I will keep it nearby when I plan my classes." --Sarah Vitale, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Ball State University, USA

About the Author

Brynn Welch is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. She received the Excellence in Teaching Award from Emory & Henry in 2016, the Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching at UAB in 2021, and the UAB Disability Support Services Outstanding Faculty Award in 2022.