PED240 Democracy and Education (Autumn 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Course Leader:
- Mareike Brehmer
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- All teaching will be in English. Students may write their semester papers and their exam in English or Norwegian.
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
Teaching language
Recommended previous knowledge
Learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should be able to
Knowledge
• demonstrate 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
• formulate a general understanding of the history, traditions, values, and characteristics of democracy in relation to the international field of education
• identify developments in the field of democracy and education
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
General competence
• demonstrate awareness of diverse cultural values and beliefs, and approach these differences in accordance with the ethical standards of educational professionals
• work independently and together with others to achieved enhanced understanding of the process of participation and citizenship for educational opportunities
• understand and place new research, theories, and philosophies within the field of democracy and education
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, culture, 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 - a historical introduction,
(2) Democracy in educational systems
(3) Role of globalization, citizenship, migration and societal values for education and citizenship
(4) Human rights, diversity, "freedom of speech" and media
(5) Culture, literature, language and participation
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning methods will involve a combination of lectures, videos, self-study, an excursion, and group work. Students’ active participation in instruction and prioritizing additional time spent on self-study and preparing for lessons is required.
Estimated hours of work 270.
Examination requirements
Examinations
Student evaluation
Offered as a free-standing course
Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course
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 |
|---|---|
| PED243 – Values and Democracy in Education, PED244 – Perspectives in Democracy and Human Rights Education and PED432 – Democracy and Education. | 3 |