ENG112S Introduction to American Literature, History and Culture

Contents and structure

ENG112S, provides an introduction to American literature, culture, subject didactics and linguistic topics, including initial teaching (grades 1-4). This encompasses knowledge of children's literature and the use of various texts aimed at children and adolescents, as well as analysis of fiction and non-fiction texts. Developing one's own language skills and text competence is also central. In addition, the course provides insight into various learning activities and working methods.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• is familiar with the curriculum for English in schools
• has knowledge of the curriculum and various teaching aids that can be used in teaching, as well as the learning potential of various learning arenas, including digital media
• has knowledge of lifestyles and cultural expressions in selected English-speaking countries, with an emphasis on literature that promotes intercultural learning
• has insight into the language-stimulating use of texts in teaching
• has knowledge of English as a global language and the development of its role as a contact language for people from different countries and cultures and its significance for internationalisation in education and working life
• has insight into the work of further developing basic skills
• has knowledge of children's and young people's language learning from a second language perspective, language learning theories, and strategies, methods, assessment tools and forms of assessment that promote language development
• has knowledge of various international and national tests and assessment tools
• has knowledge of social life, history and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries
• is familiar with genres and their key characteristics, as well as norms for academic text production, responsible use of sources and privacy
• is familiar with research and development work relevant to the subject of English

Skills

The student

• can analyse literature, as well as select and facilitate work with English-language literature for children
• uses English confidently and functionally and is a good language model for pupils
• can practise comprehensive and learning-oriented assessment, including formative assessment, and justify their assessments
• can make pupils aware of the structure of language and guide them in their language development, for example through knowledge of contrastive problems
• can actively make use of the pupils' experiences with English
• facilitates a safe learning environment with varied, differentiated and meaningful learning activities rooted in theory and personal experience, which promote the further development of basic skills for all pupils
• can apply subject knowledge didactically and reflectively in accordance with the current primary school curriculum and critically evaluate their own teaching
• can critically evaluate and use appropriate textbooks and other teaching materials
• facilitates pupils' learning about and further exploration of social life, history and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries
• can analyse, select and facilitate work with English-language texts for children and young people, and applies a precise and appropriate conceptual framework in working with texts
• facilitates pupils' work with English-language texts and exploration of lifestyles and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries in relation to their own culture, with an emphasis on written, oral and composite texts for children
• uses digital learning resources and tools critically in their own knowledge development and in their pedagogical work with pupils
• can facilitate adapted teaching
• can also facilitate beginner's education in English

General competence

The student

• conveys relevant subject matter and communicates in English in a manner adapted to the target group
• can reflect on their role as an English teacher in terms of basic ethical values and the school's responsibility for the academic development of children and young people
• works independently and with others to solve identified problems related to students' learning and development in English
• can write academically at beginner level

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Different working methods are used depending on what is most suitable for the subject matter in question. This applies to both theoretical and practical subjects.

• Lectures
• Classroom dialogue
• English as the language of communication in lessons
• Problem-based learning in groups or individually
• Practical work with activities
• Teacher- and student-led assignments in the programme
• Students will work on various practical and methodological assignments throughout the programme
• Individual or group supervision
• CT is an integral part of the work with the subject components in English where it is natural.

Compulsory learning activities

• One obligatory learning activity in literature, culture or literary didactics
• One obligatory learning activity in a linguistic topic and/or language didactics
• Attendance of at least 70% of the teaching is required, i.e. 70% of all digital meetings and at least 3 of 4 in-person teaching sessions on campus. When absence exceeds 30%, the student will not receive approval for the course, regardless of the reason.

One of the obligatory learning activities in the course must be related to professional digital competence.

The obligatory learning activities must be approved by the course coordinator no later than two weeks before the student can sit the examination. If a compulsory learning activity is assessed as not approved, a reason for this must be given. Students who do not receive approval for an aobligatory learning activity will, as fas as possible within the set deadlines, be given another attempt in the current semester.

Assessment

Written exam, 6 hours.

Grading scale A-F, where F corresponds to a fail.

Examination support material

None

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