MBA504A Intercultural pedagogy and glocal practices

Contents and structure

The course is held in the second semester of the programme and is one of several elective courses.

The course will emphasise international perspectives of kindergarten quality. A key part of the course will be a one month study trip to China. Specific practices will therefore be examined as a starting point for highlighting links between global trends and local practices rooted in local history and culture.

The course is open to foreign students with relevant prerequisites.

This course will meet the requirements for knowledge about and skills in identifying political and global discourses that have an impact on the kindergarten field/practices. The course will also examine different local practices.
Examining comparative perspectives, knowledge interests in comparative studies and comparative methodological approaches will be key elements in the course. In addition, emphasis will be placed on ethical dilemmas in comparative, international studies.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course the student shall have the following overall learning outcomes:

The student

• Has in-depth knowledge about kindergarten practices in Norway and China from an internationally comparative perspective.
• Has developed his/her understanding of multicultural work in kindergartens

The student

• Can analyse global discourses within the kindergarten field
• Can conduct field work in a kindergarten abroad
• Can identify ethical issues in international, comparative research.

The student

• Can cooperate in a virtual classroom by using chat, blogs, asynchronous discussion forums and e-conferencing.
• Can participate in and develop international academic networks

Teaching methods

A month's field work in China with scheduled seminars constitute an important component of the course.
The course will also be partly organised online with lectures, visual triggers and communicative tasks which Norwegian and Chinese students will cooperate on.

Compulsory learning activities

Learning portfolio.
The guidelines for the coursework requirements will be specified at the start of the course.
Approved coursework requirements are valid for 2 years following approval.

Assessment

Assessment portfolio.
The portfolio consists of two of the written work assignments from the learning portfolio. Each elements counts for 50%.

The submission date for the assessment portfolio will be provided in Studentweb and the digital examination system.

Grade scale of A-F, where F is the equivalent to a fail grade.

In the event of a new/postponed exam, the same portfolio can be submitted once in revised form within 1 year.