MGUSA401 Social studies 2, module 2 - Specialization in social science 2

Contents and structure

Social studies in teacher education prepares students for the teaching profession in social studies. Social studies in primary and lower secondary teacher education offers a balanced distribution of geography, history, and civics. This module is aimed at middle and lower secondary education, with particular emphasis on further developing students' basic skills and competencies. The module offers room for specialization in particular social studies topics. The module aims at a deeper understanding of the relationship between theoretical perspectives and different learning processes in school. International topics are central. As part of the module, candidates will write an essay on research and professional development. The topic of the essay must be relevant for social studies as a school subject. Candidates will partake in teaching practice in local schools. The course material will be offered in English. This module will be taught in English with a minimum of 3 exchange students.

Learning Outcome

After finishing this module, the student will have fulfilled the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate

• has acquired, through work on the essay on research and professional development, in-depth knowledge about particular theories, methods, and didactics related to a central issue in social studies
• has acquired in-depth knowledge about particular examples of conflicts and cooperation in geographical, historical, and social scientific perspectives
• has acquired knowledge about economic structures, economic growth, power, and the market

Skills

The candidate

• can work with values and attitudes in social studies to promote critical reflection and train the ability of students to translate knowledge into action
• can find, assess, and interpret different kinds of data, to be used in research and professional development and to develop students' critical competence and creativity
• can plan, lead, and assess learning activities in middle and lower secondary education, with a particular emphasis on developing basic skills, and on the formative assessment of students based on their individual needs
• can use and assess different methods that stimulate students' awareness of time, space, and social processes
• can accommodate democratic practices, the development of citizenship skills, cooperation, and conflict resolution in school
• can reflect on teaching practice and planning, leading learning activities and assessment of these as a foundation for formative assessment

General competence

The candidate

• can accommodate students to reflect on social scientific questions and stimulate critical thinking and creativity
• can accommodate students to gain an overview of historical periods and development patterns, and to reflect on how history and culture is constructed
• can contribute to processes of change and innovation in school, and the involvement of local communities in learning processes.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

MGUSA 101 + MGUSA 201 or other equivalent introductory courses in social studies.

Teaching methods

Essay writing, presentation of the essay, lectures, individual work, group work, excursions.

Compulsory learning activities

• The candidate must present a draft for their research and professional development essay to teachers and fellow students.

Assessment

Two-part exam, including the research and professional development essay and an oral examination.

• Research and professional development essay (weighted 50 %)
• Individual oral examination, 30 minutes (weighted 50 %)

Graded on a scale from A - F, where F is failed

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material