New Spring/ Summer 2026 Course - Philosophy for Children (PHIL 367)

Philosophy for Children

Spring/ Summer 2026 Course - PHIL 367 

Instructor: Erin Greer

The Department of Philosophy is offering a new 300-level Spring/Summer course this year that builds on several years of experimenting with experiential learning in philosophy.

PHIL 367 examines the role of philosophy in education, with a focus on the Philosophy for Children movement, which began in the 1970s. In this course, students will not only sharpen their own philosophical thinking, but also put those skills into practice through six opportunities to facilitate discussions with small groups of children (ages 10–12). For students considering teaching, working with youth, or applying their philosophical skills beyond university, this course offers a structured opportunity to put philosophy into practice.

PHIL 367 is a practical course centred on building “communities of inquiry.” In the first half of the course, students examine the role of philosophy in the development of thinking while developing their own facilitation skills. In the second half, these skills are put into practice through work with children. In partnership with staff from the Saskatoon Open Door Society, students will work with children from diverse backgrounds to engage with central philosophical questions.

Students in this course will:

• develop and defend positions on the role of philosophy in education

• build and facilitate communities of inquiry

• reflect on their development as facilitators through structured feedback and practice

Prerequisites include 3 credit units of philosophy and 24 credit units overall. However, students with relevant experience or strong interest may be admitted with instructor permission.

This course is unlikely to be offered again next Spring/Summer. If you are interested in a 300-level philosophy course that combines philosophical inquiry with applied experience, consider registering. Classes begin May 5.

If you have questions, please contact the instructor, Erin Greer (erin.greer@usask.ca).