EN-444 English Literature, Culture and Learning

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Subject didactics in Teacher Education Level 5-10, 2-year Master’s Programme
• Master's 5-Year Programme in Teacher Education, level 5-10

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

60 credits in English. EN-157 English Literature, Culture and Didactics 1,
EN-158 English Language and Didactics 1 and EN-159 English Language, Literature, Culture and Didactics in Context or equivalent courses from other institutions

Course contents

The course explores knowledge of literature and culture in English on an advanced level and discusses its significance in English as a school subject in Norwegian schools. Students will become familiar with the main theories, concepts, and models for the study and dissemination of literature and culture. In addition, the course will focus on important factors that enhance learning, such as learning context, motivation, learning strategies and language comprehension. Finally, the course will discuss the challenges of teaching English in a multicultural and multilingual classroom.

The subject in the practice period

During the 7th semester there will be a five-day practice period as a preparation for the 25 days practice (taking charge of the school) during the 8th semester. Students will work with the course on campus before and after the practice period. The course will equip the students with skills that will enable them to plan, conduct, and assess teaching of literature and culture for pupils in grades 5-10.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge: After course completion, the student should have

• specialized insight into selected literary texts and cultural topics with an emphasis on teaching in grades 5-10

• advanced knowledge about the role of literature and culture in English teaching grades 5-10

• advanced knowledge about didactic research on literature and culture in English as a school subject, especially in Norwegian schools

Skills: After course completion, the student should be able to

• give a detailed account of important principles and methods for the study of culture and literature in Norwegian schools, with an emphasis on grades 5-10

• give a detailed account of important principles and methods for teaching of literature and culture to pupils in grades 5-10

• analyze in depth and critically evaluate fictional- and non-fictional texts and their application in teaching, with an emphasis on grades 5-10

• critically reflect upon and independently evaluate advanced topics in the English subject

General competence: After course completion, the student will be able to

• use their advanced knowledgias a basis for further studies of literature- and culture didactics and research and development work

• critically utilize knowledge and skills in teaching (with an emphasis on grades 5-10) dissemination and/or information work

• reflect critically and independently on the role of English as a school subject

Examination requirements

Teacher education students must:

• pass the practice

• gain approval of two submitted assignments

• meet the attendance requirements

Other students must:

• pass a didactic assignment corresponding to the workload of practice teaching

• gain approval of two submitted assignments

• meet the attendance requirements

Teaching methods

Group work, seminars, lectures. Students should participate actively on a regular basis. English is used in all classes. iPads and smart phones will be used in the course. There is a 70% obligatory attendance requirement. Students must attend 5 days of teaching practice.

The workload of the course is estimated to 400 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, 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.

Admission for external candidates

No

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes, subject to availability and capacity. The candidates must fulfill the criteria specified under “special admission requirements” below.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

For students taking single standing modules: completed teacher education aimed at primary or secondary school, and at least 60 credits in English.

Assessment methods and criteria

Four-hour written exam under supervision. 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
EN-216 – English Literature, Culture and Learning	10
EN-221 – Engelskfaget i norsk skole	10
EN-429 – English Literature, Culture and Learning	7.5