FLKM4110 Introduction to International Development, Education, and Sustainabilities Course description

Course I is intended to form a common platform for the other courses. By gaining an insight into different traditions in the fields of education and development, the students are expected to develop their ability to apply different theoretical perspectives in their work on different topics. This work both ensures a broad interdisciplinary perspective and supplements students- previous education. Along with the other common courses, this forms the basis for specialisation in the area selected for in-depth studies and in the master-s thesis.

No prerequisite knowledge required.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of and insight into the international education field
• has knowledge of and insight into different perspectives on development
• has an overview of research-based knowledge of international education and development

Skills

The student

• is capable of competently explaining relevant topics in the field
• is capable of comparing research-based knowledge of the topic of the course

General competence

The student

• is capable of explaining and problematising relevant theory in the research fields of international education and development
• is capable of using the new knowledge in an independent manner
• is capable of communicating academic issues relating to education and development

The work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds. See the programme description for further details.

This course provides a critical review of theoretical perspectives on citizens' encounters with the welfare state. This course provides an overview of some of these theories.

The course covers theories that emphasise a focus on individual, rational actors, those applying structural and functionalist explanatory models, those that emphasise social reproduction and feedback mechanisms in society to those that emphasise social construction and interactional processes.

The course provides training in how to apply select theories to analysis of empirical evidence when studying and interpreting phenomena within social welfare and health policy research.

None.

A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of a series of social theories of institutions and actors
• insight into how to critically assess these theories and their arguments
• thorough knowledge of how the theories may be applied to research analyses
• practical knowledge of how she or he may apply one or more of these theories in the master's thesis

Skills

The student

• is able to identify and discuss different social theories
• can identify how practical research analyses may be conducted using these theories
• can critically discuss the empirical implications of particular social theories

General Competence

The student

• has achieved general competence for doing independent research
• can contribute to innovative thinking and competence in transferring knowledge and skills to new areas
• can apply social theories in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects

The course will comprise a mix of lectures, discussions and hands-on exercises. Students will end the course with a paper and a presentation in which they discuss one of the theories covered in the curriculum. There will be a meeting set aside for student presentations.

In order to take the exam students must deliver a written paper (6 pages, calibri, pt.12, 1,5 line spacing) as coursework requirement where they present and discuss one of the theories covered in the curriculum and present it in one of the two final meetings, with a feedback from lecturers and classmates.

If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version one time by the given deadline.