course-details-portlet

PED3614

Basic Issues in Education

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

Based on the history of ideas this course gives an introduction into basic questions on how practical and theoretical knowledge and actions have been understood within various pedagogical traditions. The course will focus on practical knowledge as it is presented in recent literature within the science of education. Some of the key concepts and terms are: liberal education (Bildung), competence, practical wisdom, dialogue, experience, judgement, tact, creativity, play, freedom and technology. Emphasis will be placed on the relation between upbringing and democracy, on the pedagogical relation, and on special aspects of learning within institutional contexts.

Learning outcome

The subject gives thorough knowledge on and theoretical insight into:

  • The history and relevance of the concept of Bildung in modern pedagogy.
  • The concept of competence, and it's limitations.
  • Theoretical perspectives on the human subject and the world.
  • The place of theory in education science.
  • The practical and theoretical dimensions of the knowledge concept.
  • The relation between practice and theory in science of education.
  • Democracy and equality.

Learning methods and activities

Four hours of lecture per week. Seminars and discussion forums/ reflection groups will be integrated into the lectures.

Further on evaluation

4 hours written exam (inspera).

Required previous knowledge

The same admission requirements as for the master`s program in Education. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.

Course materials

The required course reading material is approximately 500 pages.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
PED3514 7.5 sp Autumn 2015
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
  • School Development

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Education and Lifelong Learning

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Date 2025-11-20 Time 09:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL310 blå sone
1 candidate

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.