MBA504A Intercultural pedagogy and glocal practices

Contents and structure

The course is offered in the second semester of the programme and is one of several elective courses in this semester. The course offerings may change from year to year. This course will be offered in Spring 2019.

The course is open to foreign students with relevant prerequisites.

The course will emphasise international perspectives of kindergarten quality. It will provide knowledge about and skills in identifying political and global discourses that have an impact on the kindergarten field/practices.

A key part of the course will be a one month field work in China, possibly in Norway. Specific practices will therefore be examined as a starting point for highlighting links between global trends and local practices rooted in local history and culture.

Examining comparative perspectives, knowledge interests in comparative studies and comparative methodological approaches will be key elements in the course. In addition, emphasis will be placed on ethical dilemmas in comparative, international studies.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course the student shall have the following overall learning outcomes:

The student

• has in-depth knowledge about kindergarten practices in Norway and China from an internationally comparative perspective.
• has developed his/her understanding of multicultural work in kindergartens

The student

• can analyse global discourses within the kindergarten field
• can conduct field work in a kindergarten abroad, possibly in Norway
• can identify ethical issues in international, comparative research.

The student

• can communicate and cooperate in a virtual classroom by using chat, blogs, asynchronous discussion forums and e-conferencing.
• can participate in and develop international academic networks

Entry requirements

Students must have completed two of the three compulsory courses in the first semester of the programme.

In case of special circumstances, an exemption for this requirement may be granted.

Teaching methods

A month's field work in kindergarten in China, possibly in Norway, with scheduled seminars constitute an important component of the course.

The course will also be partly organised online with lectures, visual triggers and communicative tasks on which Norwegian and Chinese students will cooperate.

Supervision is available for coursework requirements.

The teaching presupposes that the students have worked compressively with the course literature in advance.

Compulsory learning activities

Learning portfolio.

The learning portfolio comprises weekly assignments.

Guidelines for the coursework requirements are provided at the start of the semester.

Approved coursework requirements are valid for 2 years following approval.

Assessment

Assessment portfolio. The portfolio consists of two of the written work assignments from the learning portfolio. Each elements counts for 50%.

The submission date for the assessment portfolio will be provided in Studentweb and the digital examination system.

Grade scale of A-F, where F is the equivalent to a fail grade.

In the event of a new/postponed exam, the same portfolio can be submitted once in revised form within 1 year.

Examination support material

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