TFL903 NORSEC - Norwegian Society, Education and Culture

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Exchange Student

Teaching language

English

Course contents

The programme is an introduction to various aspects of the Norwegian society from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The main elements of the course are Norwegian history, Norwegian literature, and education in Norway. Other subject areas are politics, economy, religion, language and art. The approach is both academic and experience-based with school practice and excursions as integrated parts of the programme. The aim of the programme is to foster a broad approach to learning and raise the capacity of students to compare, discuss and reflect on education, society and culture.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

Knowledge

• have an overview of various aspects of Norwegian society and culture from both historical and contemporary perspectives

• have in-depth knowledge about central principles and features of the Norwegian school system

Skills

• analyse different explanations regarding developments in Norway

• distinguish between social, political, economic, cultural, technological and environmental factors when discussing society

• understand and critically discuss a variety of literary texts

• describe differences and similarities between society, culture and education in Norway and their home countries

General competence

• demonstrate awareness of professional ethics in their relations with fellow students, teachers and pupils

• reflect on their own teaching practices

• plan and complete varied work tasks, both individually and in groups

• find and critically analyse sources to answer questions about society, culture or education

 

Examination requirements

• 2 school experience weeks

• excursions (further information in canvas)

• one project related to school experience

• two projects related to various aspects of the course

Teaching methods

Teaching and learning methods will include lectures, seminars, workshops, excursions and 2 school experience weeks.

The interaction between student and teacher is of vital importance in the seminars, and the different nationalities are required to bring in their own perspectives in dealing with the different topics. Thus, the students´ attendance in the seminars is not compulsory, but of vital importance for the learning outcome.

The workload is estimated to ca. 800 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

For students who are training to become teachers.

Assessment methods and criteria

An individual written essay (50% of final mark).

An individual oral examination (50% of final grade).

Graded assessment A-F (F is Fail).

Other information

Before participating in school practice or school visits all students must sign a declaration of confidentiality, and present a Certificate of good conduct issued by the police, or a confirmation from the home institution that the valid certificate is in their possession.

The excursions that are included in the programme are subsidised, but students must be prepared to pay for food. Further information will be given when the semester starts.