LU2-SAMF115 Social studies 1a

Contents and structure

The study of social science in primary and lower secondary teacher training includes the disciplines history and geography and the subject area social studies. The subject is intended to develop the competence to teach years 5 - 10, and will emphasize in-depth studies. The course of study is intended to qualify students to be able to work independently on both academic and didactic issues.

The subject will be placed in a didactic context and prepare the students for the occupational role as social science teacher. Through different approaches to teaching and didactic reflection, the students will develop a teacher role that promotes the pupils' awareness of society and interest in the subject.

Social science is intended to develop a broad understanding of the interaction and conflict between people, society and nature during different periods and in different parts of the world. The students will work on selected geographical areas, historical periods and areas or social science. The subject will contribute to knowledge about the history of the Sami and their situation as indigenous people.

Social science work is intended to promote students' social competence and their ability to be members of a multi-cultural society. The students will also develop their ability to contribute to such learning in primary and lower secondary school.

The subject will contribute to allowing the students to work with the basic skills; expressing themselves orally and in writing, reading and mathematics, and using digital tools.

Contents:

Social science 1a comprises equal parts of geography, history and social studies. In geography emphasis is on geographic main features globally, regions beyond Europe in general, and the new growth regions in particular. In history conflict and social change from antiquity to the present is central, in addition to the use of history and comprehension of history among children and young people. In social studies there is particular emphasis on political, economic and cultural social conditions, nationally and internationally.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge requirements

The student:

• has knowledge o social science as a school subject and recent social science didactics
• is aware of teaching practices and challenges in social science in years 1-7 and 5-10
• has knowledge of climate and environmental conflicts nationally and internationally
• has knowledge of the historical main features in the social development of the world from antiquity to the present
• have knowledge of different societies, cultures and historical conditions
• has knowledge of central social science sources in the subject and critical evaluation of these

Skills

The student:

• can apply disciplinary and didactic knowledge and skills in geography, history and social studies in accordance with the current curriculum and critically assess own teaching
• can describe and analyse life forms and living conditions in different parts of the world
• can evaluate pupils' goal fulfilment with and without marks and to give reasons for the assessments
• can use social science sources and material in work on developing the pupils' basic skills
• can contribute to developing the pupils' oral skills through practice in meeting participation, debates and other oral activities in the subject
• can critically assess textbooks and other teaching aids used in teaching
• can supervise pupils in independent work with the subject's framework

General competence

The student:

• can facilitate cooperation and conflict resolution in work with the pupils
• be able to critically reflect on social science issues and stimulate critical thinking
• be able to understand current social conditions from a historical perspective
• be able to reflect on own practice and update oneself academically
• can communicate and cooperate with children and parents with different social and cultural backgrounds
• has insight into children and young people's understanding of the subject

Entry requirements

None.

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Introductory lectures will be given based on the literature on the reading list. This is followed by tasks and discussions along the way. Emphasis is placed on students actively participating and contributing to a living and creative study environment

Compulsory learning activities

Written and verbal study requirements

Assessment

Take-home exam, 3 days. 

Examination support material

None.

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