REL416 Didactics of Religion and Ethics, part 2 (level 8-13)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme

Prerequisites

REL120 Didactics of Religion, part 1

Course contents

The course is a part of the advanced teacher education for level 11-13 and consists of didactics in two school subjects, pedagogy and practice.

The course is subdivided into three main areas:

The position of education in society and the subject's place in education deals with the distinctiveness of the subject of History, its development and its legitimization as a school subject. The subjects role in the multicultural school will also be treated.

Pupil knowledge and the role of the teacher examines the role of the Religion teacher, including professional ethics. Pedagogical skills in class management, communication and building good learning environments will be focused.

Teaching and learning treats didactic theories, varied work methods and learning strategies. Based on the students¿ knowledge in history and insight in didactics continuous emphasis will be placed on didactical reflection and practical rehearsal in form of planning, conducting, adapting, varying and assessing teaching at level 8-13.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course students shall

Knowledge

• Have acquired thorough didactical knowledge about religion aimed at level 11-13

• Have knowledge about religion in the National Curriculum for secondary school

• Have broad knowledge about various learning strategies, methods of work and teaching areas that are suited for religion

• Have broad knowledge about youth culture and diversity in the pupils abilities and interests

• Have broad knowledge about the multicultural society and the possibilities and challenges that this represents for the teaching of religion

• Have knowledge about didactical research

Skills

• Be able to analyze the curriculum and develop clear and relevant learning aims

• Stay updated with regards to current legislation and regulations

• Be able to put into practical use their academic and didactic knowledge in a manner that promotes good academic and social learning processes

• Have knowledge about current didactical research

• Be able to plan, implement, adapt document and assess teaching religion and ethics

• Be able to put into practical use results from subject didactical research

• Bea able to initiate and carry out a subject didactical R&D project

• Be able to discuss and legitimate religion as a school subject

General competence

• Have a professional attitude and critically reflect on problems related to the subject, the ethics of the profession and school politics

Examination requirements

The following must be completed and passed:

Mandatory attendance requirements (80%)

The practice period

Students taking religion as subject 2: An assignment related to the practice period

Students taking religion as subject 1: An interdisciplinary assignment with pedagogy and didactics of religion

Teaching methods

The teaching will be characterized by å variety of work methods in the form of lectures, practice and supervision, excursions, conversations, reflection, interview, presentations, planning of teaching and other practical exercises. Practical testing of various work methods related to religion and the teacher role will be emphasized.

Apart from the teaching it will be expected that the students work with exercises, both individually and in groups. A considerable part of the students¿ learning and development will depend on individual efforts.

The students' actual participation in practical tasks is a necessary part of the teaching. Mandatory attendance will then be required, including the pre-course.

The students will write an interdisciplinary assignment with pedagogy.

Students who take religion as subject 2 (one-year study) will write an individual assignment related to the practice period.

Students who take religion as subject 1 (master) will write an interdisciplinary assignment with pedagogy and didactics of religion.

The students will have six weeks of practice.

The workload is estimated to about 200 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.

Assessment methods and criteria

4-hour written individual examination

Graded assessment