EN-170 English Language, Literature, Culture and Didactics 2 (Spring 2027)

Knowledge: The student

• has knowledge of the sound system in English, vocabulary, and the grammatical structure of the language, including differences and similarities between English and Norwegian
• has knowledge about how children learn languages, focusing on initial training
• has knowledge about multilingualism as a resource in the classroom
• has knowledge about basic skills, learning and development, and processes that enhance these in English
• has knowledge about ways of life and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries with emphasis on texts for children in grades 1-7, and can use these to stimulate language learning
• has knowledge about cultural conventions in the English-speaking world and in Norway and is able to adjust their language to different situations
• has knowledge of genres and their key characteristics, as well as norms for academic writing, responsible source usage, and privacy concerns
• has knowledge about the National Curriculum, national tests, mapping tools and teaching aids for English as a subject
• has knowledge about the acquisition of words and structures in English from sound- to text level

is familiar with research and development work that is relevant to English as a subject in grades 1-7Skills: The student

• is able to use English orally and in writing confidently and independently and be a good role model of language use for the pupils

• is able to use songs, rhymes, literature, and other cultural expressions to stimulate language learning in grades 1-7
• is able to plan and lead varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital, that enhance in-depth learning and development of the basic skills in grades l 1-7
• is able to recognize pupils' reading and writing behaviors and facilitate differentiated learning
• is able to use formative assessment to supervise pupils learning English
• is able to utilize a digital learning platform to enhance language learning and presentation of subject matter in grades 1-7

General competence: The student

• is able to present relevant subject matter and communicate in English in a way that is adapted to pupils in grades 1-7
• is able to reflect on his/her own learning and teaching practice in the light of basic ethical values and the school’s responsibility for the personal growth of children and youth
• is able to work independently and with colleagues to plan for the pupils’ learning and development
• is able to maintain and develop his/her own linguistic, literary, cultural and didactic competence

The course builds on EN-169 and provides a more in-depth understanding of the English language, literature, culture, and subject didactics with a special emphasis on beginner education. This includes knowledge of how the English language is structured, including a comparative focus that emphasizes linguistic differences between English and Norwegian (and possibly other languages), which should aid the students in teaching the subject. A deeper understanding of the English language system should provide a practical foundation for the development of the student’s own language and didactic skills in English. The students will be introduced to various theories of language learning and the didactic development of English as a subject, including the use of multilingualism as a resource. On the literature and culture side, the course includes knowledge of children's literature and the use of various texts, including songs, rhymes, and multimodal texts, in primary school, as well as the analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts. Furthermore, the course will provide a comprehensive insight into social conditions and culture, past and present, in the English-speaking world. Broader cultural understanding and tolerance will be pursued both when working with various themes and literary texts. Planning, adapting, and conducting English classes, as well as assessment of language learning, will be central to the course.

The subject in the practice period.

The teaching focuses on preparation for the practice period, planning and implementing teaching designs, as well as an assessment of the teaching after it has been carried through.

The course is designed with various forms of teaching in student groups of varying size. Student-active forms of working are emphasised, such as group sessions, oral work and written assignments, as well as methods involving digital tools. There is a 70 % mandatory attendance requirement. For students in the teacher education, there is a practice period of 15 days.

The workload is estimated to approximately 400 hours.