Education in a Changing Society

Undergraduate course

ECTS credits
15
Teaching semesters
Autumn
Course code
PED200
Teaching language
English
Resources
Schedule

Course description

Objectives and Content

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

Through topics such as the history of education, education and inequality, educational policy, globalisation, standardisation, and digitalisation, the course deals with the possibilities and limitations of current educational institutions. The tension between international economic and political trends on the one hand and cultural and historical distinct national educational policies on the other will be scrutinized. Students will learn to identify and discuss theoretical and political educational ideas as well as the objects and societal functions of educational institutions.

The combination of literature studies, lectures, seminars and written assignments will support students in their development of a critical understanding of societal changes, educational policies and the role of education in society.

Learning Outcomes

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...

  • understand the function of and the potential challenges for educational institutions in a globalised and digitalised knowledge society
  • understand the central theories, perspectives and concepts in the course literature
  • have knowledge of influential policy and governing ideas about education
  • know the main phases and reforms in the development of the Norwegian educational system

Skills

The student...

  • can explain and use relevant perspectives, knowledge and concepts from educational and social science research and theory
  • 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 independent, academic written work
  • can give relevant feedback to peers' written work

Full-time/Part-time

Full-time

ECTS Credits

15 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
None
Access to the Course
The course is open for students admitted to the one year programme in Education, students admitted to the Bachelor's Programme in Education, and for exchange students.
Teaching and learning methods
Organised teaching consists of lectures, seminars and written assignments with feedback from course instructor and fellow students.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

It is compulsory to:

  • Participate in 8 lectures and/or seminars
  • Hand in assignments during the semester.
Forms of Assessment
The exam essay entails writing a paper of 2500 words +/- 10 %, based on a research question articulated by the student. To keep the topic and the discussion within the frames of the course the student must draw at least 60 % of the references from the reading list of the course. The exam can be written in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.
Grading Scale
A-F
Assessment Semester
Autumn. Under certain circumstances, the faculty may offer an assessment the following semester
Reading List
The reading list will be available 01.07. for the autumn semester and 01.12. for the spring semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the routines for participatory evaluation of the Faculty of Psychology and the Quality Assurance System of the University of Bergen.
Programme Committee
Departement of Education
Course Coordinator
Department of Education
Course Administrator
Faculty of Psychology

Course description

Contact information

Informasjonssenteret ved Det psykologiske fakultet
Department of Education