The course is connected to the following study programs

  • Master's programme in Special Needs Education

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

The course presents essential theories and research related to socioemotional vulnerability in a life-long perspective. Understanding various perspectives related to the emotional and social development of children and youth will be emphasised. Topics will be studied both from individual- and system perspectives and the aim is to implement necessary and planned change aimed at improving the situation for vulnerable individuals, in a special needs context. Attention will, in particular, be paid to pre-school and school as important preventive bodies in work with exposed groups and individuals, focusing on relations. Socio-emotional vulnerability will be analysed as a development- and learning process, and the aim is to help exposed groups and individuals to experience mastering in a variety of situations. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on various measures that enhance the possibilities for positive emotional and social development. Emphasis is also placed on the students¿ development of an analytic and reflective view of the various theories, as well as their ability to adapt methods and strategies to various contexts.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students will

  • Have knowledge about conditions that make children and youth vulnerable

  • Be able to apply research and theory in order to understand which are the conditions that lead to emotional and social vulnerability

  • Be able to apply theories and empirical data in order to understand which are the conditions that influence the learning environment of vulnerable individuals

  • Have the ability to identify, map and prevent social and emotional difficulties in the work with children and youth

  • Be able to explain how one can stimulate positive emotional and social development and adequate mastering strategies when meeting emotionally vulnerable children and youth in pre-school and school

  • Have thorough knowledge about how behaviour disorders, psychological problems and low self-esteem can be understood as secondary problems in relation to vulnerable individuals

  • Have the ability to work independently with relations in different contexts

  • Have knowledge about special needs working methods aimed at helping vulnerable children and youth, both on the individual- and system level

Examination requirements

Two individual assignments must be assessed as a pass. Each: 1800 words +/- 10%, including a list of references
Participation in mandatory seminars

Evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual oral examination. Graded assessment.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
PED418 – Emotionally and socially at-risk children 15
Last updated from FS (Common Student System) July 1, 2024 1:38:49 AM