PED246 International Issues in Inclusive Education (Vår 2026)

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• demonstrate basic knowledge regarding the concept of inclusion in education and its historical development

• describe major educational dilemmas pertaining to children and young people with learning and social/emotional difficulties

• identify various challenges brought to the forefront in international agreements (eg, laws, treaties, and declarations) pertaining to access to education and human rights from childhood through adulthood

• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Norwegian educational system with respect to adapting teaching and designing inclusive learning environments

• express an awareness of cultural, historical, and philosophical differences across contexts regarding the education of individuals with disabilities and other historically excluded groups

The course provides an introduction to central concepts in inclusive and special needs education from an international comparative perspective. Key issues include the difficulty in defining inclusion; considerations with regard to the labels we use, systems of differentiation and the role and purpose of special education. In addition, the key perspectives in behaviors; influences of politics, law, and research; international agreements and declarations (e.g., United Nations´ standard rules, Salamanca).

The focus of the course is primarily on the education of children. However, adult learning and work environments and the support mechanisms that exist in diverse societies and cultures will also be discussed.

Working methods will involve a combination of lectures and self-study.

Estimated hours of work is 270.

Attendance in 70% of lectures.

Midterm assignment (pass/fail)

Individual oral examination

Graded assessment.