Action and Advocacy, Alfred Fitzpatrick and the Early History of Frontier College

grantor: University of TorontoThis thesis examines the early history of Frontier College, the oldest adult education organization in Canada. This examination draws upon social and educational influences on the organization's founder, Alfred Fitzpatrick. The thesis then documents and analyses the founding of the Reading Camp Association--later renamed Frontier College--and the development of the labourer-teacher model, both of which were designed to deliver educational services on the frontiers. It investigates Fitzpatrick's overall principles and the achievements of his organization, specifically its capacity both to challenge and uphold existing models of social and political power. Finally, the thesis draws conclusions about education, action and advocacy from a historical perspective.M.A