It soon becomes clear from this description that very diverse aspects of our higher education are geared up for flexibilisation.

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1 UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION OFFICE KRAKENSTRAAT 3 BUS LEUVEN BELGIUM KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN Life-long learning: Case study of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Institute of Philosophy: Offering the philosophy programme in evening classes, with due consideration for the Bologna reforms I. Introduction: flexibilisation in the Flemish context Context All Flemish universities improved the flexibility of their programmes in The initial focus was almost exclusively on replacing the year system with a credit system, which gives students more flexibility in how they earn their diploma. This is certainly the essence of the flexibilisation decree adopted by the Flemish government in 2004 that all higher education institutions were obliged to introduce in in one way or another. The flexibilisation decree was amended and supplemented by the mini decree in At K.U.Leuven, flexibilisation is not limited to the introduction of a credit system: flexibility is of course a much broader term for us. K.U.Leuven endeavours to offer students more transfer options between programmes, achieve flexible programme content and more. What is flexibilisation? According to the professional literature, in higher education flexibilisation often means: offering choices to students in various areas, such as content, time, study tempo, study venue, learning style and evaluation form. A university board can provide flexibility by taking general steps, such as broadening access to higher education, recognising acquired skills, developing credit transfer systems and offering choice within the curriculum. Teachers can improve flexibility by employing different forms of education and learning (the combination of course book and online material, face-to-face teaching alongside e-learning or videoconferencing) among other things. It soon becomes clear from this description that very diverse aspects of our higher education are geared up for flexibilisation. Why was flexibilisation introduced? Just like the introduction of the bachelor and master structure, the flexibilisation measures are a direct consequence of the European agreements on education. The flexibilisation decree 1

2 was the Flemish government s response to the third objective of the Bologna declaration: the gradual introduction of an ECTS-compatible credit (accumulation) system with the task of promoting student mobility and contributing to the flexibility of education systems particularly with eye to life-long learning. By improving the flexibility of higher education, the goal of the Flemish government and the higher education institutions is to gain maximum recognition for our intellectual potential. The grey cells are the most important if not the only raw material our society can draw on. A flexible study progress system is expected to give the institutions more opportunities to respond to the needs of diverse (new) target groups, such as: - people that in the past were unable to take the usual route, but that are nevertheless intellectually capable and should be given a chance - people that commenced their studies but dropped out prematurely without a diploma and now want to rectify this situation - people that wish to earn another higher education diploma or wish to acquire specific (sub-) competencies or specialisations (via individual study components) - sometimes in combination with a job and/or household and family duties. The aim was to encourage the democratisation of education by reaching more target groups and offering them an opportunity to earn a higher education diploma. Flexibilisation as a compound concept Flexibilisation relates to various higher education domains: -Flexibilisation of access to higher education -Flexibilisation of the learning environment through evaluation -Flexibilisation of the curriculum -Flexibilisation of the organisation of education This list is not exhaustive. The study prerequisites (e.g. student financing) and decision making in higher education (independence of the institution or the departments versus centralised control) are also eligible for flexibilisation. The list does however provide a picture of the complex and compound meanings of flexibilisation. The flexibilisation of the organisation of education is briefly explained below. The subsequent case study clearly shows that K.U.Leuven has invested efforts in flexibilisation in this area. Flexibilisation of the organisation of education The organisation of education is also eligible for flexibilisation. Besides the possibilities a flexible learning environment offers (e.g. distance learning, modular education), elements of the organisation of education can also promote flexibility: the division of the academic year (into small segments) with more entry opportunities, more evaluation opportunities, the possibility of part-time study, evening and weekend programmes or the introduction of a summer term. II. Case study: studying philosophy in the evening 1. Why evening education? 1. By scheduling philosophy programmes in the evening, the Institute of Philosophy (HIW) is building on a long tradition of philosophy as a second course of study. Philosophy has been a highly valued second diploma for many years. Authoritative jurists, famous media 2

3 personalities and politicians like to refer to the 'Special Baccalaureate in Philosophy they once acquired at HIW. This evening programme also responds to a societal demand for philosophical reflection and interpretation and the wish for a sound academic offering alongside the alternative circuit in which all manner of courses are offered. 2. The market for this evening programme is very heterogeneous: students that study philosophy at the same time as or after a useful main course of study, people who combine their studies with an active career; senior citizens who finally have the time to study what they always wanted to study etc. Their ambitions vary too: some want to earn a diploma and perhaps even go on to conduct philosophical research; others have a more relaxed approach, seeing their studies as a form of interesting and valuable training. 3. The course in evening education is tailored to these different groups. Students can follow one or more separate courses (based on credit contract), they can opt for consistent introductory programmes (Philosophical Academy and Philosophical Preparation; admission based on credit contracts) or they can even earn a full-fledged bachelor s degree via a shortened education path (they must hold another bachelor s degree to be eligible; admission based on a diploma contract). Students can easily move from more limited programmes to fuller programmes. Flexibilisation makes it possible for all efforts to be honoured to the maximum. 4. The evening programme is proof of HIW s adoption of contact education rather than distance education. HIW feels that contact education provides it with clear added value: the lessons led by very motivated teachers greatly inspire the students and they are a necessary aid in processing of the material. In addition, contact education offers the advantage that students come into contact with a group of like-minded people they can tackle things with: studying, discussing, sharing tips. 5. The evening programme is integrated in HIW s regular curriculum. Evening students follow the same education programmes and study components, are subject to the same exam requirements and the same rules and regulations. 6. The integration of day and evening programmes is enriching for both evening and day students, but it sometimes entails organisational problems, e.g.: Evening students often follow complex part-time study programmes. Not all evening students are familiar with the university context, including for example the way the academic year is composed. A great many evening students have little knowledge of education and exam regulations. Reporting by , Toledo, ISP (Individual Programme of Studies) etc are sometimes bigger obstacles than expected. It is not always self-evident for evening students to follow the whole term-exam system. Evening students have different types of knowledge, different expectations etc than generation students. They obviously have more life experience, which they want to utilise during lessons and seminars. On the other hand, they sometimes lack the discipline required for academic study. It is an extra task for the teacher to keep all of this in mind. Evening students come to the faculty less and only in the evenings. They are consequently less well informed about things. HIW provides a number of facilities to resolve such problems: Adapted study guidance. Advice and assistance in choosing the education, putting together the programme (tailored programmes), study progress. Exam facilities: difference from the general exam regulations, so that they are able to delay exams on the subjects in the first term until June on request; maximum flexibility in approving transfers in the exam period; scheduling of exams in the evening or on Saturdays. Sometimes day and evening students may attend the same lesson in the early evening, but in other cases study components are decoupled and teachers develop a 3

4 specific approach for evening students. This is especially prevalent for seminars, although some lectures are also included in this approach. Extra attention for communication by or Toledo. (This is not easy either though, as there are a lot of people among the evening students that are not used to using the computer for communication or administration ends.) The student secretariat is open once a week. The library is open late twice a week. Evening students are represented in the POC (Teaching Commission). 2. Concrete study opportunities 2.1. Based on credit contract Individual study components (courses) Students follow one or more individual study components from the evening and/or day offering, they are registering for a credit contract for every component. The student obtains a credit for that course, with the number of ECTS-points associated with the course. This is good as an introduction or when students have a very specific interest Philosophical Academy faculty certificate = balanced package of introductory study components. End certificate The Philosophical Academy is a coherent package of study components for which HIW awards a faculty certificate, which comprises the various proofs of credits, because admission in the study components is on the basis of a credit contract. Content It is an introductory package mainly comprising introductory courses offering a limited choice. This programme offers a historic overview of philosophy, thematic handling of a few topics from metaphysics, an introduction to ethics and other philosophical disciplines. It is oriented to a broad target group. Admission conditions A certificate of secondary education. The same as for admission in the first year of a full bachelor s programme. To facilitate the combination with work and family students may spread study components and exams over two or even more years. Students enrol every year on the basis of a credit contract for the study components they will follow that year. Programme composition The Philosophical Academy comprises five or six study components (30 ECTS credit points): three compulsory study components (18 ECTS credit points) and two or three optional study components (12 ECTS credit points). Exemptions from study components are possible if students have already passed an exam (up to three exemptions possible), subject to the approval of the programme director. Study schedule Some lessons are only scheduled as part of evening education in even years; others are only scheduled as part of evening education in odd years. Still other lessons are only scheduled as part of day education. These are attended by regular students and LLL-students (continuing education). Sometimes lessons are split in two. LLL-students that are free during the day are permitted to follow study components scheduled as part of day education. 4

5 Exams To obtain the HIW Philosophical Academy certificate, register at the HIW student secretariat in the period you wish to obtain all required proofs of credits. For details of the programme, the study schedule and practical information, see annex Philosophical Preparation certificate = a cohesive package of study components for students that have followed the introduction. End certificate The Philosophical Preparation is a more extensive package of study components at bachelor level for which HIW awards a faculty certificate, which comprises the various proofs of credits, because admission in the study components is on the basis of a credit contract. Content The programme is designed for students that have followed the introduction, e.g. the Philosophical Academy. Students study various areas of philosophy in more detail and have the immediate opportunity to personalise their programme by choosing optional subjects. Admission conditions These are the same as for admission in the first year of a full bachelor s programme. Programme composition The Philosophical Preparation comprises nine or ten study components (at least 53 ECTS credit points). Exemptions from study components are possible if students have already passed an exam, e.g. in the Philosophical Academy, subject to the approval of the programme director. The study components can be spread over two or even more years. Students enrol every year on the basis of a credit contract for the study components they will follow that year. Study schedule Students that are free during the day are permitted to follow study components scheduled as part of day education. Some optional study components are offered only as part of day education. Exams To obtain the HIW Philosophical Preparation certificate, register at the HIW student secretariat in the period you wish to obtain all required proofs of credits. For details of the programme, the study schedule and practical information, see annex Based on diploma contract This leads to a bachelor s degree in philosophy (short programme). It is not discussed here. See annex 3 Annex 1 Philosophical Academy (evening programme) Programme and study schedule Programme (in Dutch) 18 studiepunten (stp.) verplicht te volgen: Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte 6 stp. 47 u. Fundamentele wijsbegeerte 6 stp. 47 u. Algemene moraalfilosofie 6 stp. 47 u. 5

6 12 studiepunten (stp.) te kiezen uit volgende lijst: Logica I, met oefeningen ** 6 stp. 52 u. Wijsgerige psychologie * 5 stp. 39 u. Bijzondere moraalfilosofie * 8 stp. 52 u. Wijsgerige antropologie ** 8 stp. 52 u. Stromingen in de hedendaagse wijsbegeerte 4 stp. 26 u. Epistemologie ** 4 stp. 26 u. Metafysica I ** 8 stp. 52 u. Metafysica II * 8 stp. 52 u. Taalfilosofie 4 stp. 26 u. Wetenschapsfilosofie * 4 stp. 26 u. Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid * 5 stp. 39 u. Sociale wijsbegeerte 5 stp. 39 u. Filosofie van de kunst 4 stp. 26 u. Key to symbols: * Evening education only in odd years ( , etc) ** Evening education only in even years ( , etc) Only day education Abbreviations: Stp. ECTS credit points u. Number of study hours (26 u. = 2 hours of lessons per week during a term; 39 u. = 3 hours of lessons per week; 52 u. = 4 hours of lessons per week Study schedule These are the schedules for evening lessons per academic year. Note that some study components are only scheduled every other year as part of evening education. Odd academic years ( , ) 1e term (in Dutch) Ma Di Wo Do e term Ma Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Metafysica I (werkcollege) Metafysica I (hoorcollege) Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Bijzondere moraalfilosofie (hoorcollege) Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Bijzondere moraalfilosofie (werkcollege) Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid 6

7 Di Wo Do Algemene moraalfilosofie Stromingen in de hedendaagse Wijsbegeerte Wetenschapsfilosofie Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid Algemene moraalfilosofie Wijsgerige psychologie gewijzigd gewijzigd gewijzigd Even academic years ( , ) 1e term (in Dutch) Ma Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Logica I, met oefeningen Di Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Wo Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Logica I, met oefeningen Do Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte 2e term Ma Metafysica II (hoorcollege) Epistemologie Di Algemene moraalfilosofie Wijsgerige antropologie (werkcollege) Wo Stromingen in de hedendaagse wijsbegeerte Metafysica II (werkcollege) Do Algemene moraalfilosofie Wijsgerige antropologie (hoorcollege) Practical information Admission Admission comprises two steps: (1) enrolment at the student administration service (2) registration with the individual study programme (ISP) (see below on this page) Admission starts mid-august at the student administration service in the university hall (Naamsestraat 22). It is highly recommended that you enrol before the start of the academic year. For more information see the website under Admission Programme Type of admission Fee Individual subjects Philosophical Academy Philosophical Preparation Credit contract (for study components of own choosing) Credit contract (for study components from the FP package) Credit contract (for study components from 58.1 euros standing charge euros per ECTS credit points 58.1 euros standing charge euros per ECTS credit points 58.1 euros standing charge euros per ECTS credit points 7

8 the FP package) Short bachelor Diploma contract for Bachelor of Philosophy short programme. Select part-time admission. Initial fixed charge of euros (= fees for 30 ECTS credit points). Subsequent recalculation based on the actual number of credits. Annex 2 Philosophical Preparation (evening programme) Programme and study schedule Programme (in Dutch) Systematisch-filosofische opleidingsonderdelen (35 stp.) 23 studiepunten verplicht te volgen: Fundamentele wijsbegeerte 6 stp. 47 u. Logica I, met oefeningen ** 6 stp. 52 u. Algemene moraalfilosofie 6 stp. 47 u. Wijsgerige psychologie * 5 stp. 39 u. 4 studiepunten te kiezen uit: Epistemologie ** 4 stp. 26 u. Wetenschapsfilosofie * 4 stp. 26 u. Taalfilosofie 4 stp. 26 u. 8 studiepunten te kiezen uit: Bijzondere moraalfilosofie * 8 stp. 52 u. Wijsgerige antropologie ** 8 stp. 52 u. Metafysica I ** 8 stp. 52 u. Metafysica II * Historisch-filosofische opleidingsonderdelen (10 stp.) 10 studiepunten verplicht te volgen: Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte 6 stp. 47 u. Stromingen in de hedendaagse wijsbegeerte 4 stp. 26 u. Keuzegroep (minimum 8 stp.) Minimum 8 studiepunten te kiezen uit: Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid * 5 stp. 39 u. Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Moderne Tijd ** 5 stp. 39 u. De opleidingsonderdelen hierboven opgesomd die nog niet gekozen werden De "Socio-ethische opleidingsonderdelen" uit het BA-programma De opleidingsonderdelen "Cultuurfilosofie / Wereldfilosofieën" uit het BAprogramma De wijsgerige vakken uit de "Keuzegroep" van het BA-programma Wie na de Propedeuse Wijsbegeerte de Verkorte bachelor wil volgen, kiest best vakken die behoren tot het programma van de verkorte bachelor. Key to symbols: * Evening education only in odd years ( , etc) 8

9 ** Evening education only in even years ( , etc) Only day education Abbreviations: Stp. ECTS credit points u. Number of study hours (26 u. = 2 hours of lessons per week during a term; 39 u. = 3 hours of lessons per week; 52 u. = 4 hours of lessons per week Study schedule & model schedule These are the study schedules for evening lessons per academic year. The recommended schedule is in bold type. The schedule is different for odd and even academic years. Odd academic years ( , ) 1e term (uin Dutch) Ma Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Metafysica I (werkcollege) Metafysica I (hoorcollege) Di Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Bijzondere moraalfilosofie (hoorcollege) Wo Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Do Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Bijzondere moraalfilosofie (werkcollege) 2e term (in Dutch) Ma Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid Algemene moraalfilosofie Di Stromingen in de hedendaagse Wijsbegeerte gewijzigd Wetenschapsfilosofie gewijzigd Wo Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Oudheid Algemene moraalfilosofie Do Wijsgerige psychologie gewijzigd Even academic years ( , ) 1e term (in Dutch) Ma Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Logica I, met oefeningen Di Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Moderne Tijd Wo Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte Logica I, met oefeningen Do Fundamentele Wijsbegeerte Geschiedenis van de wijsbegeerte van de Moderne Tijd 2e term (in Dutch) Ma Metafysica II (hoorcollege) Epistemologie Di Algemene moraalfilosofie Wijsgerige antropologie (werkcollege) Wo Stromingen in de hedendaagse Wijsbegeerte 9

10 Metafysica II (werkcollege) Do Algemene moraalfilosofie Wijsgerige antropologie (hoorcollege Practical information: see above 10

11 Annex 3: Continuing Education compared with bachelor (in Dutch) Modular composition additional philosophy studies: Philosophical Academy < Philosophical Preparation < Short Bachelor FILOSOFISCHE ACADEMIE 18 pt. verplicht (P) 12 pt. keuzevakken (K) PROPEDEUSE WIJSBEGEERTE 33 pt. verplicht (P) 12 pt. verplicht met keuzemogelijkheid (PK) 8 pt. keuzevakken (K) VERKORTE BACHELOR 87 pt. verplicht (P) 16 pt. verplicht met keuzemogelijkheid (PK Totaal 30 pt. Totaal 53 pt. Totaal 103 pt. 23 pt. verplicht 43 pt. verplicht Systematisch-filosofische opleidingsonderdelen 12 pt. verplicht (P) 4 pt. kiezen uit PK 1 4 pt. kiezen uit PK 3 8 pt. kiezen uit PK 2 8 pt. kiezen uit PK 4 W0AA1A Fundamentele wijsbegeerte 6 stp. P P P W0AA3A Logica I, met oefeningen ** 6 stp. K P P W0AA4A Algemene moraalfilosofie 6 stp. P P P W0AA6A Wijsgerige psychologie * 5 stp. K P P W0AB1A Epistemologie ** 4 stp. K PK 1 K P W0AB7A Wetenschapsfilosofie * 4 stp. K PK 1 K PK 3 W0AB6A Taalfilosofie 4 stp. K PK 1 K PK 3 W0AA7A Bijzondere moraalfilosofie * 8 stp. K PK 2 K P W0AA9A Wijsgerige antropologie ** 8 stp. K PK 2 K P W0AB2A Metafysica I * 8 stp. K PK 2 K PK 4 W0AB4A Metafysica II ** 8 stp. K PK 2 K PK 4 Historisch-filosofische opleidingsonderdelen 6 pt. verplicht (P) 10 pt. verplicht 32 pt. verplicht W0AB8A Historische inleiding tot de wijsbegeerte 6 stp. P P P W0AB0A Stromingen in de hedendaagse wijsbegeerte 4 stp. K P P W0AC4A Geschiedenis v/d wijsbeg. van de Moderne Tijd ** 5 stp. K P W0AC1A Geschiedenis v/d wijsbeg. van de Oudheid * 5 stp. K P W0AC3A Geschiedenis v/d wijsbeg. van de Middeleeuwen * 4 stp. P W0AC5A Overzicht v/d recente continentale wijsbegeerte * 4 stp. P W0AC6A Overzicht v/d recente Anglo-Amerikaanse wijsbeg. ** 4 stp. P Filosofische teksten 4 pt kiezen uit PK 5 Wijsgerige teksten Oudheid / Middeleeuwen / Thomas van Aquino / Moderne Tijd / PK 5 hedendaagse tijd / fenomenologische wijsbegeerte 4 stp. Filosofische vaardigheden 12 pt. verplicht Scriptie met seminarie 12 stp. P 11