course-details-portlet

PED3041

Fundamental Issues in Special Education

Credits 30
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

In this subject, the emphasis is on analysis, understanding and problematisation of special education's contribution to an inclusive school. The students are given an insight into the ideal of an inclusive school, the historical background, the subject's knowledge base, values, governing document and legislation. Furthermore, critical reflection and various dilemmas linked to the ideal of inclusion and pupils' different assumptions and needs, such as the possibilities of inclusion vs. barriers, community vs. individual and normality vs. deviance, stigmatization vs. making students' needs invisible. The students are also given the opportunity to reflect critically on conditions for inclusion at community, school and pupil level.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The students:

• has in-depth knowledge of what special pedagogy is and entails in light of the history of the subject

• has in-depth knowledge of key concepts, theories and research within the special education subject area

• can apply knowledge of legislation and governing documents in special educational work

• has advanced knowledge of different perspectives on inclusion, student diversity and students with special educational needs

• has advanced knowledge of the breadth and complexity of the special education field

Skills:

The students:

• can apply theoretical and research-based knowledge to understand and reflect critically on special educational issues

• have the ability to reflect independently about the conditions for inclusion at different levels in the education system

• can identify and analyze various dilemmas related to inclusion

• can collaborate with others and make reasoned choices for special educational methods of working intended to promote participation and learning for all pupils in the school General competence The students

• can demonstrate independence and the ability to adopt different perspectives when dealing with complex special educational issues

• can identify and reflect on legal and ethical issues based on a pupil-oriented perspective on inclusion • can collaborate with others on special educational issues

• can justify choices for special educational practice based on key concepts, theory and research within the special educational field

Learning methods and activities

Up to 10 hours of teaching per week.

The subject's theme is communicated through dialogue-based teaching. The forms of work will vary between lectures, group work, exercises, seminars and individual work. 2 weeks of observation practice in primary school.

Compulsory activities:

80% participation in teaching

80% attendance in practice

A written work requirement

Practice report

Compulsory activity from previous semesters can be approved by the department.

Compulsory assignments

  • One written work requirement
  • Practice report
  • 80 % attendance in practice
  • 80% approved attendance

Further on evaluation

Semester assignment consisting of an individual subject text. The oral exam takes place in groups with preparation time after drawing the exam topic. The examination itself has a duration of up to 45 minutes. Postponed exams can be individual if there is only one registered student.

Repetition/improvement of grade

In the event of a failure or wish to improve the grade, the individual partial assessment can be taken up.

Required previous knowledge

The same admission requirements as for the masters program in special education. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

The required course reading material is approximately 2000 pages.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SVPED202 30 sp
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Special Education

Contact information

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Assignment
Weighting 60/100 Date Submission 2025-12-09 Time Submission 15:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 40/100 Examination aids Code A Date From 2025-11-27
To 2025-11-28
Time 08:15 Duration 45 minutes

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Assignment
Weighting 60/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 40/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 45 minutes