PED432 Democracy and Education

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's programme in Education

Teaching language

All teaching and reading will be in English. Students may choose to use either English or Norwegian for assignments and the final examination.

Prerequisites

Bachelor degree in education or related fields within humanities and social sciences or three years of general teacher education.

Course contents

The course is ideal for students who are interested in an international perspective on democracy and education. It provides knowledge about democratic issues and global trends related to languages, literature, history, philosophy, ethics, religion, media, and education. Furthermore, the course will give the students comparative analytical skills and broaden their understanding of democracy and other cultures. The course revolves around how democracy is related to educational issues in societies with an emphasis on the following areas: (1) Democracy and education - an historical introduction, (2) Democracy in educational systems, (2) Role of globalization, citizenship, migration and societal values for education and citizenship and (3) Human rights, diversity, "freedom of speech" and media, (4) Culture, literature, language and participation.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Knowledge

• demonstrate a broad knowledge of central themes, theories, and approaches within the fields of democracy and education

• describe current issues and challenges related to democracy in a global perspective

• describe the central principles and features of democracy as they are described in national policy and international literature.

• formulate a general understanding of the history, traditions, values and characteristics of democracy in relation to the international field of education

• identify various international agreements, debates and developments in the field of democracy and education

• reflect on democratic issues related to current events in society and politics

Skills

• apply the principles of democracy to the analysis of educational practices and policies from an international perspective

• apply findings from research within the fields of democracy and education to practical and theoretical challenges

• identify and critically analyze information relating to history, ethics, language, media, and education in the light of democratic values

• compare the function, purpose, and history of diverse democratic systems related to education across national boundaries

General skills

• demonstrate awareness of diverse cultural values and beliefs, and approach these differences in accordance with the ethical standards of educational professionals

• exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences with others in a manner that makes use of the approaches and principles of democracy

• work independently and together with others in order to better understand the process of participation and citizenship for educational opportunities

• use knowledge of international research and comparative approaches to gain insight that can lead to improved educational practices

• keep themselves updated regarding new research, theories, and philosophies within the field of democracy and education

Examination requirements

All students will submit one written term paper throughout the course. The term paper must be passed before taking the exam. In addition students are responsible for planning and conducting a time-slot in the course. 80 % compulsory attendance to lectures, groups and practical training is required. For further information, please consult the students` learning platform Canvas when the semester starts.

Teaching methods

Teaching and learning methods will involve a combination of lectures, group work, videos, self-study and individual tutorials. Students will be involved in planning and conducting parts of the course. Students’ active participation in instruction and prioritizing additional time spent on self-study and preparing for lessons is required.

Evaluation

The study programme manager decides, in cooperations with students representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Admission for external candidates

Yes

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes, if there are places available

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

Bachelor degree in education or related fields within humanities and social sciences or three years of general teacher education.

Assessment methods and criteria

A 3-days individual home examination. 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
PED240 – Democracy and Education	3	PED243 – Values and Democracy in Education	3	PED244 – Perspectives in Democracy and Human Rights Education	3