EN-444 English Literature, Culture and Learning (Autumn 2025)

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

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.

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.

Teacher education students must:

• pass the practice
• pass obligatory assingments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)
• meet the attendance requirements

Other students must:

• pass a didactic assignment corresponding to the workload of practice teaching
• pass obligatory assingments (the number and scope of these assignments will be specified at the beginning of the semester)
• meet the attendance requirements

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.