REL129 Introduction to Christianity, Religion, Lifeviews and Ethics 1

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's 5-Year Programme in Teacher Education, level 5-10

Teaching language

Norwegian

Course contents

The course covers 15 credits in KRLE in primary school education 5-10. The course gives an introduction to the three major areas of KRLE (1. Christianity; 2. philosophy and ethics; 3. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and world views). Adapted teaching is emphasized. The subject didactics will in particular focus on the development of the history of religious education, the aims and core values, curriculum development and teaching methods. The application of research and development work will be essential in all topics.

 

During the practice period the main focus will be on the role of the KRLE-teacher and various work methods. The students will try out different teaching methods and discuss these with his/her fellow students and the practice teacher. These topics will also be emphasized in the teaching on campus.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course the student will

• have knowledge about history, diversity, creed, practice, ethics, and aesthetic expressions in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and the humanism of world views, with particular emphasize on Christianity and the situation in Norway

• have knowledge of practices and essential narratives related to festivals and ceremonies in various religions and world views

• have knowledge of different forms of religious concepts, experiences and socialization issues which children may perceive, and possibilities for confusion in encounters with education related to religious and spiritual diversity

• have knowledge of ethical theories applied on topics related to professional ethics and subject ethics

• have knowledge of children's ethical and moral development

• have knowledge of basic didactic terms and problems including curriculum development and the role of the KRLE teacher

• have knowledge about the history of the subject in primary school, its justification, content and aims, and about the exemption arrangements

• have knowledge of central teaching methods and initial education in KRLE

Skills

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to

• plan, implement and assess KRLE education in an autonomous and a thoroughly professional manner that enhances learning

• analyze the local KRLE curriculum and make drafts for such curricula

• cooperate on the subject with other teachers, the pupils, the homes and collaborators in the local society

• implement adapted teaching that respects the pupil's creed and world views

• analyze ethical problems that affect the school, the profession and the pupils based on ethical theory, and discuss how these issues can be solved

• relate to children's thoughts and conceptions of religious, ethical and philosophical questions, and lead conversations about these topics with pupils with various backgrounds

• apply research and development work actively when preparing for teaching

Competence

Upon completion of the course the student will

• be able to discuss what religion and world views can mean for individuals and for society

• be able to discuss and address the challenges and possibilities implicit in work with pupils with different world views and religious backgrounds

• be able to prepare for collaboration between the home, the school and the local society

• have professional ethical competence

Examination requirements

Students in the teacher education must have completed and passed:

• The practice period

• The 70% mandatory attendance requirement

• Two mandatory assignments which will be described in the semester plan

 

Single course students must have completed and passed:

• A didactic assignment

• The 70% mandatory attendance requirement

• Two mandatory assignments which will be described in the semester plan

Teaching methods

The course includes core lectures, seminars and groups, and the teaching may be related to the practice, excursions and the project work. A practice period of 20 days is included for students in the teacher education. Further description of the project work will be given at the beginning of the semester.

The course has an estimated workload of 400 hours.

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.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity. Prerequisite for single course students: Completed teacher education, primary/secondary school levels, and other requirements that may be added.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

Prerequisite for single course students: Completed teacher education, primary/secondary school levels.

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
REL105 – Introduction to Religion, Faith and Ethics, Grades 1-7	15
REL107 – Introduction to Religion, Faith and Ethics, Grades 5-10	15
REL114 – Introduction to Christianity, Religion, Worldviews and Ethics ( 1 )	15