Syllabus for Reimagining Education: Learning, Knowing and Doing in a Changing World

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• give an account of, and critically relate to, central concepts, theories and interdiciplinary methonds in education, learning, teaching and sustainability
• give an account of, and critically compare, different educational models' possibilities and limitations
• design and facilitate/deliver educational sessions that enable interdiciplinary, creative and critical learning
• develop effective strategies for how education can contribute to the work for just and sustainable development
• communicate issues relating to sustainable development in writing, orally and visually
• initiate, plan, deliver and evaluate a well defined project within the topics of the course

Content

The course includes a review of different perspectives on education, learning, teaching and sustainable development based on a conceptual, theoretical reading, discussion and understanding of these issues as well as an overview of various interdisciplinary methods and pedagogy in the field. Current, and for the course relevant, research from various subjects such as active student participation, education for sustainable development, environment and education, (educational) sociology, philosophy and psychology, as well as gender studies, is interspersed with experiences from educators and put together in a critical dialogue between students and invited guests. Differences, opportunities and limitations between different educational philosophies and educational models are investigated and discussed. The course deals with the student's own role and room for action when it comes to education and sustainable development, and practical sessions focus on how different types of educational sessions with different target groups can be planned and implemented in ways that promote learning, critical thinking and creativity. On a more general level, different strategies are discussed for how education can contribute to the work for fair and sustainable development. Throughout the course, the student works actively to develop the ability to communicate effectively in different contexts. In the project work that is done during the course theory and practice is connected through a practical development and change project within a well defined learning situation that is related to a greater sustainability context.

Instruction

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars and workshops. The lectures are given by guest lecturers from various academic disciplines and relevant areas of society. Ample opportunities are provided for active student participation and critical reflection. Participation in seminars and workshops is compulsory. Non-compulsory study visits or equivalent may occur.

Assessment

The student is examined through written preparation for (4 credits) and active participation in seminars and workshops (3 credits), and through written documentation (7 credits) and oral presentation (1 credit) of a project.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.