Examination arrangement

Course content

The subject emphasizes two main academic areas. The first area has the period of enlightenment as historical period specialization with thematic emphasize on globalization, and builds on the academic content of Social Studies 1 – part 1.

The second main area builds on the themes from Social Studies 2, where emphasis is placed on conditions for expression and media in a historical and current context, with a focus on writing, text- and discourse analysis, and critical thinking in the social studies.

The two areas are linked together, focusing on the Enlightenment era’s ideas of freedom of speech and the development towards issues related to freedom of speech and modern media. European expansion opened up globalization and new forms of migration, international trade, transfer of knowledge, ideology and material resources. Local history, archival and museum didactics are particular emphasized.

Learning outcome

- KNOWLEDGE
The candidate has:
• in depth knowledge of central academic school subjects from the period of enlightenment which concern the relationship between Europe and the rest of the world, with focus on trade, material culture and transition of knowledge (globalization)
• in depth knowledge of the historical background and development of the freedom of speech
• advanced knowledge of the right to freedom of speech and the role and importance of the media in our political system, both in the past and in the present
• in depth knowledge about opportunities and challenges connected to children’s use of digital media
• advanced knowledge of academic writing, text- and discourse analysis both as an entrance to research and as a starting point for critically formative social studies education

- SKILLS
The candidate can:
• analyze and critically engage with research about globalization and apply this insight to the teaching activities
• be able to critically assess and use historical and current source material in school teaching
• use text- and discourse analysis in own academic writing and as a starting point for subject didactic facilitation for teaching
• be able to plan and carry out writing exercises in work with critical thinking in social studies in elementary school

- GENERAL COMPETENCY
The candidate:
• are able to analyze public opinion formation and public debates based on the insights from the master subjects
• are able to analyze and assess relevant academic and ethical issues related to media use

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, independents work and group work. Seminars. Colleague guidance. Solving mandatory and other assignments individually and in groups.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignments according to course description

Further on evaluation

Mandatory work requirements:

Participation in an introduction session

Approved two individual writing exercises according to “colleague guidance” in groups

Approved one seminar presentation prepared in groups, and one “opposition post” prepared in groups

Approved one group submitted reading-, discussion- and practice- log according to guidelines announced at the start of the semester

Assessment:
Individual written school exam (6 hours) assessed with letter grades A-F. At the written school exam, approved geographical and historical atlas and calculator type A are permitted aids.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Recommended prerequisites: Passed Social Studies 2 (30 Credits) or equivalent

Required previous knowledge

The student must have passed Social Studies 1 and completed Social Studies 2 in order to start courses in cycle 2. Passing is understood to mean that the student has completed and passed the examination in the course. Completed is understood as all compulsory work requirements in the course are approved, in other words that the student is ready for the exam.

Course materials

Final reading list will be posted on Blackboard