Education in a Changing Society

With a basis in social theories and educational research this course is concerned with global challenges facing the current educational system and consequential developments of the Norwegian/Nordic educational institutions.

Through topics such as the history of education, education and inequality, education and globalisation, the politics of inclusion, and challenges tied to digitalization, the course deals with the possibilities and limitations offered to people and societies at local, national and global levels by educational institutions. The tension between international economic and political trends on the one hand and culturally and historical distinct approaches to national educational policies on the other will be scrutinized.

Students will learn to identify the objects and functions of educational institutions and educational policies and to develop a critical understanding of what characterizes democratic, diverse and inclusive education.

On completion of this course the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student..

• can explain the development of the Norwegian educational system
• can understand the function of educational institutions in a modern knowledge and network society, both in local, national and global contexts
• can perceive potential challenges for education in a complex, diverse society

Skills

The student..

• can explain and use relevant perspectives from educational and social science research
• can discuss questions concerning challenges for education in a changing society
• can reflect critically on the role of educational institutions in society
• can identify and assess relevant knowledge for use in the exam paper

General competence

The student..

• can plan and conduct an independent written work
• can give relevant feedback to others' written work