TFL903 NORSEC - Norwegian Society, Education and Culture

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Exchange Student

Teaching language

English

Recommended prerequisites

Students are expected to be able to express themselves in advanced academic English on a variety of subjects, both orally and in writing.
Students enrolled in a Teacher Education will be prioritised.

Course contents

The programme is an introduction to various aspects of Norwegian society from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The main subjects are history and religion, literature and language, and education. The approach is both academic and experience-based, with school practice and excursions as integrated parts of the programme. The programme aims 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 of the central principles and features of the Norwegian educational system

Skills

• understand different explanations regarding societal and cultural developments in Norway

• distinguish and understand connections between social, political, economic, cultural, technological and environmental factors when discussing society, culture and education

• analyse 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 and education

Examination requirements

• 2 school experience weeks

• excursions (further information in Canvas)

• 3 group projects and presentations (further information in Canvas)

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.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual written assignment (3000 words) (50%).

Individual oral examination (50%).

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.