Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

Norwegian.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course the student should be able to:

- describe special education's history and traditions as profession and discipline

- display knowledge about basic theories and terms within special education, for example normalisation, inclusion and adapted teaching, functional impairment vs. functional disability, and social/relational vs. medical/categorical perspectives

- display knowledge of the following problematic areas: developmental impairment, autism, social and emotional difficulties, hearing and vision problems, language difficulties and specific learning difficulties

- be familiar with the various arenas where special needs education is taking place

- account for special education's role in an inclusive learning environment and its ethical dilemmas

Contents

The course provides an introduction to the field of special education from a holistic perspective. The tension between special education as a profession and discipline and the field¿s relationships with general education is a major course topic. Students will mainly study special education arenas outside of school. Working with special education as an integrated part of professional enterprise as well as independent subject and research field are highlighted. Basic special education dilemmas are discussed, including the relationship between providing goal-oriented services and the risk of stigmatization. Various trends in the field are discussed in connection with these dilemmas, for example overrepresentation of ethnic minorities, boys and specific at-risk groups among individuals receiving special education support. Additionally, an introduction is given to the most common lifelong functional disabilities and the legal and administrative basis for implementing special education procedures.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars, group work and individual work with advisement.

Examination requirements

Passed an objective test from the subject.
Compulsory attendance at chosen lectures and seminars.(See semester plan)

Examinations

Individual term paper. Differentiated marks.

Student 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.

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
PED135 – Special needs education as profession and field of research . 15
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 9:46:29 AM