This seminar-style course will explore ethical issues related to second-language education and research. Many controversies in language education are presented as empirical issues—"What are the best ways to teach?"—that obscure the more fundamental ethical problems: "What languages should be taught?" "Who should learn other languages?" "What should be the goals of language education?" We will begin this course with a brief introduction to the philosophical field of metaethics. We will then use that framework to try to come to a deeper understanding how ethical issues are intertwined with language education and research.
The schedule will be decided as the semester proceeds.
The course will be conducted in English and Japanese, with discussions and readings in both languages.
Class participation and final paper
Handouts to be provided in class or through the course website
Contact Tom Gally in either English or Japanese at the address given on the Contact page of the course website if you have any questions.