EN-154 English 2: Literature, Culture and Didactics (Autumn 2022)

Knowledge: The student

• has knowledge about central documents and resources for English as a subject
• is familiar with a rich selection of songs, rhymes, literature, film and other cultural expressions that can be applied when teaching children at level 1-7
• has extensive knowledge about ways of living and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries with emphasis on texts for children and youth at level 1-7, as well as insight into language stimulation use of texts
• has extensive knowledge about the basic skills for initial training and development and processes that enhance these skills in English-speaking countries

Skills: The student

• is able to use comprehensive English confidentially and functionally in various genres, orally and in writing
• is able to plan, lead and critically assess varying and differentiated learning activities, including digital, that enhance in-depth learning and development of basic skills in initial training and at level 1-7
• is able to use formative assessment when supervising pupils learning English
• is able to, orally and in writing, discuss a broad variety of fiction and non-fiction
• is able to assemble and adjust information about social issues and cultural themes to be used in the teaching, among other in interdisciplinary projects
• is able to find and understand, refer to and reflect upon research literature relevant to English as a subject and write academic texts

General competence: The student

• is able to critically 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 map and facilitate pupils’ learning and development in initial training and at level 1-7
• is able to maintain and develop his/her own literary, cultural and didactic competence and contribute to development and innovation

The course has the following focus: Training in analysing 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 demands for the students’ reflection upon his/her own role in the practice period has been extended.

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 10 days is included for students in the teacher education.

The workload is estimated at approximately 400 hours.