Realism is a 19th-century movement that emerged as a reaction against romanticism, prioritizing objective representation of everyday life and social issues, particularly affecting the working class. Influenced by the Industrial Revolution and scientific advancements, it emphasizes empirical observation and critiques social injustices. Education based on realism advocates for practical knowledge, critical thinking, social awareness, and real-world relevance in curriculum design and teaching methods.

1. REALISM

2. CLASSICAL
LITERATURE
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HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND
Introduction:
Realism is a philosophical and artistic
movement that emerged in the 19th
century as a reaction against
Romanticism and idealized
representations. It focused on depicting
reality as it is, without embellishment or
distortion.

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LITERATURE
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HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
 Post-Romantic Era: Realism arose in the aftermath of Romanticism, which often
glorified emotion and imagination. Realists sought a more truthful representation of life.
 Industrial Revolution: Rapid industrialization and urbanization brought significant
social changes. Realists aimed to reflect these changes, focusing on the lives of ordinary
people and the working class.
 Scientific Advancements: The rise of scientific inquiry and a focus on empirical
observation influenced Realism. This era saw an emphasis on understanding human
behavior through observation and reason.
 Political Upheaval: The mid-19th century was marked by revolutions and social
unrest in Europe, which Realism often addressed by highlighting social injustices and class
struggles.

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LITERATURE
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BASIC TENETS/THEORY
Core Principles:
 Objective Representation: Realism emphasizes portraying
subjects as they truly are, without idealization or romantic
embellishment.
 Focus on Everyday Life: Realist artists and writers
concentrate on the mundane aspects of daily life and the
experiences of ordinary people, particularly the working class.

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LITERATURE
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 Social Commentary: Realism often
serves as a critique of social conditions
and inequalities, highlighting the struggles
and realities faced by various social
classes.
 Empirical Observation: Influenced by
scientific methods, Realism values
observation and accuracy in depicting
reality.

6. Theoretical Foundations:
• ANTI-ROMANTICISM: REALISM OPPOSES THE ROMANTIC
EMPHASIS ON EMOTION AND IMAGINATION, INSTEAD VALUING
FACTUAL AND DIRECT REPRESENTATION.
• MATERIALISM: THE MOVEMENT IS ROOTED IN A MATERIALISTIC
VIEW OF THE WORLD, FOCUSING ON THE TANGIBLE ASPECTS OF
HUMAN EXPERIENCE.
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•Materialism: The movement is rooted in a materialistic view of the world, focusing on the tangible aspects of human experience.

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LITERATURE
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AIM OF
EDUCATION

8. Educational Goals:
Practical Knowledge: Emphasis on imparting practical, real-world
knowledge rather than abstract or idealized concepts.
Critical Thinking: Encourages students to observe, analyze, and
understand the world around them critically.
Social Awareness: Aims to develop an understanding of social realities
and encourage students to engage with societal issues.
Real-World Relevance: Education should be grounded in real-life
applications, preparing students for practical challenges and contributing
to society.

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FOCUS AREAS:
 Applied Learning: Prioritizing skills
and knowledge that have direct
applications in the real world.
 Empirical Methods: Using observation
and evidence-based approaches in
teaching and learning.

10. Method of
Instruction
TEACHING APPROACHES:
 Experiential
Learning:
Encouraging
students to learn
through direct
experience and
observation of
real-world
situations.
• Case Studies:
Using real-life
examples and
case studies to
illustrate
concepts and
encourage
practical
problem-solving.

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LITERATURE
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• Critical Analysis:
Promoting analytical skills
through the examination of
social issues, historical events,
and everyday life.
• Interactive Methods:
Engaging students through
discussions, debates, and
hands-on activities that reflect
real-world scenarios.

12. Educational Practices:
• Fieldwork: Incorporating field trips and
practical exercises to connect theoretical
knowledge with real-world contexts.
• Problem-Based Learning: Focusing on
solving real-life problems to develop critical
thinking and application skills.

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LITERATURE
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EDUCATIONAL
IMPLICATIONS

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LITERATURE
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 Real-World Relevance: Curriculum should include
content that is applicable to everyday life and current
societal issues.
 Interdisciplinary Approach: Combining insights from
various disciplines to provide a comprehensive
understanding of real-world contexts.
CURRICULUM DESIGN:

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LITERATURE
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Active Learning: Encouraging students to actively
participate in learning through real-life projects and
experiences.
Social Responsibility: Instilling a sense of social
responsibility and awareness of societal issues in
students.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT:

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LITERATURE
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Practical Assessments: Evaluating students
based on their ability to apply knowledge in practical
situations rather than solely on theoretical
understanding.
Reflective Evaluation: Encouraging students to
reflect on their learning experiences and their
relevance to real-life contexts.
ASSESSMENT:

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LITERATURE
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PROPONENTS

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LITERATURE
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Key Figures in Realist Thought:
 Gustave Courbet: An influential artist whose
works focused on the lives of ordinary people and
social realities.
 Honoré de Balzac: A novelist whose
comprehensive portrayal of French society in "La
Comédie Humaine" exemplified Realist literature.
 Gustave Flaubert: Known for his novel "Madame
Bovary," which critically examines the constraints
of society and personal disillusionment.

19. Influential
Educators:
• John Dewey:
While not a Realist
per se, Dewey’s
emphasis on
experiential learning
and pragmatic
approaches in
education aligns with
Realist principles.
 Herbert Spencer:
His views on
education as a
preparation for life
and focus on
practical
knowledge reflect
Realist ideas.