Course content

The course provides an overview of important issues and approaches to problems, and discusses the relationship between special education and general education. Central issues that will be analysed are normality, deviation, quality of life, equality and rights. Furthermore, an overview of various forms of disabilities will be provided. Secondary, cognitive, affective and behavioural symptoms that are results of disabilities and special educational measures will also be discussed. The organization of special educational measures will be presented from a historical perspective, in an effort to present the development from segregation to inclusion. The adjustment of adapted education and learning environment in an inclusive kindergarten and school will be a central topic of discussion.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to give students an introduction to special education as a practical and scientific discipline.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures per week, 4 hour seminar per week.
Compulsory activity: Participation in 80 % of the teaching program. Individual or group practical work of 2 weeks’ durability. Approved submission of report from practical work.
Form of assessment: Obligatory assignment, 8-12 pages (Times New roman 12, spacing 1,5). Topic must be connected to theory and practical work. The prepared obligatory assignment is to be prepared on a group basis under supervision (no more than 4 persons per assignment). 8 hour individual written exam. The individual written exam counts for 60% of the final grade. The obligatory assignment counts for 40% of the final grade.

Compulsory assignments

• 75 % approved attendance in lectures and seminars. 80 % attendance in practice
• 2 weeks of external practice

Recommended previous knowledge

See formal requirements.

Required previous knowledge

Either Bachelor Degree majoring in Education Studies (82,5 Credits) which includes exams in the following courses: PED1000, PED1001, PED1002, PED1003, PED1004 (the obligatory courses in the Bachelor Degree), or completed the first three years of teacher training-/pre-school teacher training, or Bachelor Degree including 2 years of teacher training/pre-school teacher training, or Bachelor Degree and 1 year teacher training.

Credit reductions