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 student

• 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 student

• 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 use and assess different methods that stimulate students' awareness of time, space, and social processes

General competence

The student:

• 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

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

MGUSA101 + MGUSA201 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

• Student-active learning methods included in teaching sessions are mandatory, with a requirement of 80% attendance. The teaching plan specifies which sessions this applies to.
• The candidate must present a draft research and professional development essay to teachers and fellow students. The student needs to comment at least one other student's draft.

The mandatory learning activities must be approved by the course coordinator no later than two weeks before the student can take the exam. If a mandatory learning activity is not approved, a justification must be provided. Students who do not receive approval for a mandatory learning activity will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, be given one additional attempt in the current semester.

Assessment

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

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

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

Both parts must be passed to receive a grade in the course. If one part is not passed, that part can be retaken as a new exam.

If the essay (Part 1) is not passed, it is possible to submit an improved version in the following semester. However, an improved version with the same research question can only be submitted once. After that, a completely new essay must be written.

Examination support material

Oral exam: None.

All aids are allowed for det independent written exam (FOU). For more information about the use of artificial intelligence, read Submission of home exams and assignments.

More about examination support material