The Power of Critical Theory Liberating Adult Learning and Teaching

by Brookfield, Stephen D.

• ISBN13: 9780787956011
• ISBN10: 0787956015
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-11-05
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

The Power of Critical Theory is Brookfield's attempt to put the "critical" back into critical thinking by emphasizing that it is an inherently political process. The book presents powerful arguments for the importance of critical theory in fostering the kind of learning that leads to a truly democratic society, and it explores a number of tasks for adult learners including learning to challenge ideology, contest hegemony, unmask power, overcome alienation, learn liberation, reclaim reason, and practice democracy.

Author Biography

<b>Stephen D. Brookfield</b> is Distinguished Professor at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as consultant to the adult education doctoral program at National Louis University in Chicago. He is the author of <i>Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher, Developing Critical Thinkers, Discussion as a Way of Teaching, The Skillful Teacher,</i> and <i>Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning.</i>

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
The Author	xvii
1 Exploring the Meaning of Critical Theory for Adult Learning	1	(38)
2 The Learning Tasks of Critical Theory	39	(27)
3 Challenging Ideology	66	(27)
4 Contesting Hegemony	93	(24)
5 Unmasking Power	117	(31)
6 Overcoming Alienation	148	(33)
7 Learning Liberation	181	(38)
8 Reclaiming Reason	219	(28)
9 Learning Democracy	247	(27)
10 Racializing Criticality	274	(36)
11 Gendering Criticality	310	(39)
12 Teaching Criticality	349	(26)
References	375	(22)
Name Index	397	(5)
Subject Index	402