Course content

The sociological study of pedagogy examines classical and actual aspects regarding upbringing, education and socialization. The rise of societies depends on the coming generation to become participants who contribute to the maintenance and continuation of the different cultures within the society. Institutions such as family, school and education, and recreational life plays a central role. The pedagogical activity will mirror contradictory conditions in societies that are highly differentiated and that have vast social spans. The way in which upbringing, education and teaching is done is being ensured both directly and indirectly by the national state which in turn is being influenced by international organizations. This also concerns the concentration of the meaningful terms which are being used when the pedagogical activities are to be defined. These terms make up the focus of pedagogical sociology, though it also seeks to develop a coherent understanding of people's lives on an individual level, group level, institution level, and societal level. This implies studies of social origin and social differences, of social interaction and of how different social groups make use of the educational system.

The course is obligatory in order to achieve full specialization in education studies. The course is one of five courses in the One-Year Programme in Education.

Learning outcome

The course provides knowledge on and theoretical insight into:

• How pedagogy seeks to describe, understand and explain problems related to upbringing, education and socialization.
• The connections and tensions that exist between the individual-, group-, institutional- and societal level.
• Preconscious, relational and intentional elements in pedagogical activity under different opposing societal conditions.

Learning methods and activities

Up to 2 hours of lectures per week and up to 2 hours of seminar every other week. Mandatory written assignment. Guidelines and requirements for the written assignment will be given at the start of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required course reading material is approximately 500 pages.

Credit reductions