MGUEN202 English 1, module 2 - English Literature and Culture with Didactics

Contents and structure

This is Course 2 in the subject English 1 for Years 5-10 in the Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education Programme (GLU). When English is taken as the second subject, English 1 consists of two modules, each worth 15 ECTS credits: English Language and Subject Didactics, and English Literature and Culture with Subject Didactics.

The course descriptions for English 1 are based on the National Guidelines for Primary and Lower Secondary Teacher Education for Years 5-10 (2016) and form part of a five-year integrated teacher education programme leading to a master’s degree. The course is open to incoming exchange students.

English 1, Course 2 for Years 5-10 provides an introduction to English literature, culture, and subject didactics. The course covers English teaching at the intermediate and lower secondary levels. This includes knowledge of the national curriculum framework, assessment, adapted education, and digital tools. In addition, the course provides knowledge of a broad and varied selection of texts for both personal and professional development and for use in English language teaching. The course offers insight into a range of learning activities and up-to-date methods for English language education in primary and lower secondary school.

Learning Outcome

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

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the national curriculum framework, national tests, and teaching materials for the subject of English
• is familiar with literature and other cultural expressions that can be used in the teaching of children and adolescents
• is familiar with research and development work relevant to the subject of English at Years 5-10

Skills

The student

• is able to use formative and summative assessment to guide pupils in English language learning
• is able to plan and lead varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital activities, that promote deep learning and the development of basic skills
• is able to discuss, both orally and in writing, a selection of fiction and non-fiction texts
• is able to collect and adapt information on social issues and cultural topics for use in teaching
• is able to analyse literature and to select and adapt English-language literature and other cultural expressions for use with children and adolescents

General competence

The student

• is able to communicate relevant subject matter and use English in ways appropriate for pupils in Years 5-10
• is able to reflect on their own learning and teaching practice in light of ethical core values and the school’s responsibility for the personal development of children and adolescents
• is able to work independently and collaboratively to facilitate pupils’ learning and development
• is able to maintain and further develop their own linguistic and didactic competence

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

The course covers a range of strategies for language learning and working with a foreign language, including the use of digital tools. An introduction to academic writing is also provided.

Teaching methods will include overview lectures combined with discussions of the material, group work (both in pairs and larger groups), individual work, project work, and presentations. Students will gain experience with methods that can be applied in primary and lower secondary schools. Students are expected to take the initiative to participate in discussions during seminar sessions and on digital learning platforms as an extension of the learning situation, in addition to classroom activities.

All instruction in the course is conducted in English, and language practice is central to the students’ work. Learning in the English programme requires interaction with other students and subject teachers on key challenges in the field, the development of oral and written skills, and the students’ didactic competence. This aspect of a teacher’s competence cannot be acquired solely through reading but must be developed through real dialogue and active participation in teaching. Students are therefore expected to attend all classes, participate actively, and take responsibility for learning activities, thereby contributing to the development of a positive academic environment. Content delivered in teaching may go beyond the syllabus and will be considered part of the course content for the examination. Not all syllabus material will be covered in class, so the programme requires a substantial amount of independent work.

The programme includes a trip to the Norwegian Study Centre in York. The trip is offered as part of the course instruction but is not mandatory. An alternative programme will be provided for those who choose not to participate. Travel expenses, accommodation, and course fees are the responsibility of the individual student. See https://www.york.ac.uk/nsc/short-courses/

Practical training is an integrated part of the programme.

Compulsory learning activities

• A learning activity in literature, culture, or literature didactics
• A learning activity related to the R&D topic of academic reading
• Students are required to attend at least 70% of the teaching sessions. Students with more than 30% absence will not have the course approved, regardless of the reason.

The semester plan will provide detailed guidelines for the learning activities, and information will also be given regarding supervision and academic requirements. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with and adhering to submission deadlines.

Mandatory learning activities must be approved by the course coordinator no later than two weeks before the student may sit for the examination. If a mandatory learning activity is deemed not approved, a rationale will be provided. Students who do not have a mandatory learning activity approved will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, be given a second attempt during the current semester. Students who fail to have the mandatory learning activities approved may be given a second attempt during the academic year, but no more than two attempts per learning activity per semester. If an assignment is not submitted by the deadline, this will be considered a failed first attempt. If a student does not pass an assignment on the second attempt, they will not be approved to sit for the examination.

Assessment

Written exam, 6 hours.

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

Examination support material

None

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