EN-153 English Literature, Culture and Didactics 1 (Autumn 2020)

Knowledge: The student

• has knowledge about ways of life and cultural expressions in English speaking countries with emphasis on texts for children at level 1-7, as well as insight into language stimulating use of texts in the initial training
• has insight into cultural conventions and is able to adjust the language to different situations
• has knowledge about basic skills for learning and development and processes that enhance these skills in English
• has knowledge about the National Curriculum, national tests, mapping tools and teaching aids for English as a subject, and is able to use formative assessment
• is familiar with songs, rhymes, literature and other cultural expressions that can be used in the teaching of children at level 1-7
• is familiar with R&D work relevant for English as a subject at level 1-7

Skills: The student

• is able to use English aimed at initial training confidently and independently orally and in writing
• is able to plan and lead varying and differentiated learning activities, including digital, that enhance in-depth learning and development of the basic skills at level 1-7
• is able to discuss, orally and in writing, a selection of fiction and non-fiction relevant at level 1-7
• is able to assemble and adapt information about social issues and cultural matters suited for teaching at level 1-7
• is able to use the digital learning arena to enhance language learning and teaching English at the initial training and level 1-7

General competence: The student

• is able to teach relevant fiction and non-fiction and communicate in English in a way that is adapted to level 1-7
• is able to reflect on his/her own learning and teaching practice in the light of fundamental ethical values and the school’s responsibility for the personal development of children and youth
• is able to work independently and together with colleagues to prepare for the pupils’ learning and development
• is able to maintain and develop his/her own literary, cultural and didactic competence

The course has the following focus: Training in analyzing and assessing texts from various genres and conveying these texts to the pupils. The students’ as well as the pupils’ literary experiences will be stimulated, for instance through self-produced texts (prose, poetry, adaptations etc.). Furthermore, the course will provide increased insight into social conditions and culture, past and present, in the English-speaking world. Knowledge and insight into English literature and how it may be adapted and adjusted for pupils will also be emphasized in teaching and practice. Broader cultural understanding and tolerance will be pursued both when working with various themes and literary texts. There will be a focus on the role of the English teacher. Training in facilitating and adapting both written and oral teaching plans for active use of the language when working with literature and cultural themes, will be central.

The subject in the practice period

The teaching will focus on preparation for the practice period, planning and implementation of teaching plans, and final assessment of the plans.

The course is designed with various teaching forms in larger and smaller groups of students. Student active work forms are emphasized like group work, oral presentations and written assignments, as well as digital work. There is a 70% mandatory attendance requirement in the teaching. A practice period of 20 days is included for students in the teacher education.

The workload is estimated at approximately 400 hours.