BØA119 Academic formation and skills

Contents and structure

Formation through education contributes to the wise use of knowledge. The subject Formation and academic craftsmanship is an introductory subject and the student's first encounter with the professional and social community of Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The vocational and working life-oriented university is based on interaction, sustainability and innovation.

The subject promotes perspectives and theories that increase the understanding of globalization in the present day and provides a basis for mastering complex and unforeseen challenges. The introductory topic draws attention to sustainability and our shared global responsibility both for those living today and those who come after us.

The subject helps to stimulate the student to be active and curious, to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop the ability to innovate. The course aims to develop the students' knowledge of various professions and subjects, their understanding of and reflection on knowledge and ethics. This is seen in relation to education and sustainability. The subject assumes that scientific work is, among other things, an academic craft. Information skills and writing texts form parts of this craft, and the subject provides basic training. By using academic working methods, one becomes familiar with and takes part in the construction of the house of knowledge. The craft enables one to assess and document sources of information, and to expand and deepen knowledge. The craft enables one to write academic texts.

Formation enables human beings to realize their potential and add value to society. Formation makes it possible to cope with the historical situation. Knowledge, attitudes and behavior help people to live in a meaningful way in and with the world. Education is what allows a civilized, sustainable and free society to exist.

Education is man's dissemination and acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities. In this way, the individual becomes able to participate in work processes. Education builds people and society. The concept of sustainability encompasses a conservation perspective, but also has within it a desire for innovation and development. Sustainability stands on three equal pillars: ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and socio-cultural sustainability.

The subject is taught in the first semester. The introductory course has a common part which amounts to 5 credits and a subject-specific education part of 2.5 credits. The joint part and the educational part form an integrated unit.

The content of the subject is: ethics, scientific theory, scientific methods, sustainability, academic writing, information skills, source criticism, communication, collaboration and the history of professions.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• knows the main lines in the discussion about sustainable development in global society
• has knowledge of scientific working methods and research-based knowledge
• has knowledge of the relevance of professional competence and of the relationship between theory and practice in their own profession or in their own subject area
• has knowledge of the relationship between professional competence, working life and society in both the past and the present
• has knowledge of communication and collaboration in general, with a particular focus on communication and collaboration within companies, between companies and between companies and society

Skills

The student

• can reflect on central issues within their own subject area and within the sciences in general
• can identify and reflect on central ethical issues and dilemmas
• can find, assess and use various sources of knowledge and digital tools to build their own knowledge
• can develop, revise and finalize an academic text that satisfies the academic requirements

General competence

The student

• can plan and carry out varied work tasks that extend over time, both alone and as a participant in a group
• can convey central subject matter and discussions about sustainability and be critical of one's own subject area and of the sciences in general

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Student-active learning methods and a reversed classroom pedagogy with digital resources are used in the subject in Canvas.

The teaching and learning methods will vary between resource lectures and activities that promote reflection and group belonging. Guidance is provided.

Compulsory learning activities

The following mandatory assignments must be approved in order for students to earn the privilege to sit their exam.

1. Essay
2. Participation in supervised group work.

Assessment

Assignment (4-5 students), 1 500 words +/- 10%

Assessment: Passed/Failed

Examination support material

All written materials

More about examination support material