Course content

The course’s starting point is the responsibility of schools and society in the education of democratic principles. Various ideas of democracy will be examined, and conditions of participation in decision-making processes will be discussed. A central argument is the individual’s right to contribute as an active participant, based on the realization and interpretation of the world, by using personal experience and comprehension. The importance of constructive participation in decision-making processes concerned with controversial topics, such as creative community development and the alteration of one’s own and others’ opinions and values, will be discussed. The course will examine schools’ relationships to various groups of pupil- and parents’ every-day life and experience, and the degree of sensitivity displayed faced with varying cultural values, life-styles and social positions. The extent to which schools address the question of inclusion and their adaptation of content and working methods to mirror pupils’ and parents’ cultural diversity, will be discussed. In addition, the notions of marginalization, powerlessness and counter-force, will be considered as possible consequences of schools’ failing to take cultural and political challenges seriously, and the effects this may have on educating towards a democratic role of participation in society.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to study various ideas of democracy and survey pedagogical assumptions regarding development and various forms of democracy.

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures per week, 1 hour seminar per week. Compulsory activity: Approved written assignment. Form of assessment: 4-hour individual written exam.

If less than 10 students sign up for the course it may be cancelled.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

See formal requirements.

Required previous knowledge

Exam in PED 1004 or completed the first three years of teacher training-/pre-school teacher training, or Bachelor Degree and 1 year teacher training.

Credit reductions