MGUEN302 English 2, module 1 - Diversity in Culture, Language and Text

Contents and structure

The courses in English in Teacher Education aim to develop your academic, didactic and practical competence within the areas of language, literature and culture.

This is subject 1 in English 2 for grades 5-10 in primary school teacher education (GLU). English 2 consists of two subjects of 15 credits each. The course descriptions for English 2 are based on National guidelines for primary school teacher education in grades 5-10 (2016) and are part of a five-year primary school teacher education with a master's degree. The course is open to incoming students.

English 2, subject 1 will develop knowledge of English as a global language, of its different linguistic variants, and of its use in a variety of cultures across the world. The course provides knowledge of theoretical and didactic concepts related to diversity, multiculturalism and plurilingualism. In combination with the reading of multicultural literature, this brings insight into how citizenship and democracy can be fostered not just in the classroom, but also globally. In addition, the course includes further development of the student's own language skills and text competence.

Learning Outcome

The expected, full learning outcome of this subject is the following:

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of the sound system, vocabulary and grammar of English, including vocabulary learning
• has knowledge about geographical variants of English, about English as a world language, and about the role of such knowledge in the development of linguistic, communicative and intercultural competence
• has knowledge of culture and ways of living in different English-speaking countries
• has knowledge about theoretical and didactic concepts relevant for the understanding of diversity and about different perspectives on this phenomenon
• has good knowledge of plurilingualism, both in general and as a resource in language teaching
• has good insight into differentiated and adapted education
• has good knowledge of a rich selection of texts, including multimodal texts, and other cultural expressions suited to promoting language learning, cultural understanding, global citizenship and democratic involvement

Skills

The student

• can use and explain linguistic concepts and can select and arrange language assignments for the intermediate and lower secondary level
• can discuss orally and in writing a rich selection of fiction and non-fiction, and has knowledge of the structure and linguistic means of texts
• can plan and lead varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital, which promote in-depth learning and the development of basic skills
• is capable of facilitating and selecting suitable texts, including multimodal texts, for learning activities aimed at promoting global citizenship and democratic involvement
• is capable of facilitating information on social issues and cultural topics for use in teaching
• is capable of using midway and final assessment to guide pupils in English tuition
• is capable of identifying and assessing reading and writing difficulties and facilitating adapted education
• can use English orally and in writing with confidence in different genres

General competence

The student

• can reflect on his / her role as an English teacher with regard to ethical values and the school's responsibility for children and young people's professional and personal growth
• can work independently and with others to facilitate pupils' learning and development
• can maintain and develop own linguistic and didactic competence

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

English 1 (MGUEN102 and MGUEN202) or equivalent courses.

Teaching methods

The course incorporates various ways of language learning and working with a foreign language, for example through the use of digital tools. The learning platform will be used to relay information, publish course material and provide feedback on student work. The course requires systematic work with exercises and active participation in class.

Teaching methods include lectures on basic course content, discussion of the subject matter in class, exercises, group work, individual work, project work and presentations. The students will gain experience with teaching techniques that can be used in years 5 to 10. It is expected that the students participate in discussions during colloquium meetings and on the digital learning platform, in addition to the in-class activities.

All teaching in the subject English is conducted in English, and using the language is central in the students’ work. Studying English presupposes communication with other students and instructors about central challenges in the subject, the development of oral and written skills, and didactic competences. This part of a teacher’s competence cannot be acquired through reading alone but has to be developed in face-to-face interaction and by being present during classes. It is expected that the students attend all classes, participate actively and take over responsibility for learning activities, so that they contribute to a good study environment. What is taught in class is additional subject matter to the reading list and is part of the knowledge relevant for the exams. Not all relevant subject matter can be covered in class, which necessitates a high degree of independent study work.

Teaching practice is an integral part of the course.

Compulsory learning activities

• One learning activity in literature, culture, and didactics
• One learning activity in language and didactics
• 70% attendance at teaching

At least one of the learning activities must document professional digital competence in a societal perspective.

The course plan provides further guidelines for the learning activities. The students are obliged to keep themselves informed and meet submission deadlines.

The learning activities specified above need to be passed before a student can register for the exam. Students who fail to pass the obligatory requirements can get one new attempt during the study year, but no more than two attempts during one semester.

There is a minimum requirement of 70% course attendance. Students who miss more than 30% of the classes will not pass this course, irrespective of the reason for their absence.

Assessment

Written school exam, 6 hours. The exam is to be written in English. The exam has two parts: 1) language and didactics, 2) literature, culture, and didactics. To pass the exam, candidates must receive a passing grade on both parts.

The exam is graded A-F. F is a failing grade.

Examination support material

None.

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