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 academic content of this course covers key theories and concepts relating to poverty, inequality and power in developing countries and the role of education in social development. The theories are linked to three levels:

a) micro: individual, social relations

b) meso: school and the local community

c) macro: education policy and development in a national and international perspective

At all three levels, emphasis will be placed on the relationship between education and development and comparative issues. The main areas covered are empirical knowledge and theory relating to topics such as cultural complexity, knowledge, learning, inequality, multiculturalism, power and development. These topics are relevant to all the three levels mentioned above, and are important regardless of which area the students decide to specialise in. The relationship between the levels is also important, and all of the levels can be studied on the basis of the different theoretical perspectives mentioned above.

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.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Oral presentation of a draft of an academic poster (see the Assessment section) lasting 15 to 20 minutes.
• 80% attendance requirement

The purpose of the oral presentation is to encourage students to engage in more oral activity and improve their oral presentation skills, and to present the academic content to fellow students and the lecturer(s) in an organised and effective manner. The oral presentation is intended to help the students to acquire the skills specified in the learning outcomes for the course.

The student must submit an individual written assignment by the stipulated deadline, comprising an academic poster and a written summary of 500 words +/- 10%. 

Resit/rescheduled exam Students who fail the exam must rework both the poster and the summary.

Examination support material is permitted.

The grades pass/fail are used.

Two internal examiners are used. An external programme supervisor is affiliated with the course in accordance with the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at HiOA.