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

Course I is intended to form a common platform for the other courses. The students get an overview of central theoretical perspectives within education and development. They are expected to develop their ability to relate these theories to selected 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
• is capable of writing according to academic standards

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 comparative perspectives on the relationship between education and development. The main areas covered are empirical knowledge and theory relating to topics such as cultural complexity, 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.

This course module consists of lectures and seminars. Academic discussion is encouraged throughout the course module. Training in academic writing is an integrated part of the course. Please see the general programme description for further details.

To meet the coursework requirements, students must fulfil the following:

• A minimum of 80 % attendance in lectures and seminars

The assessment consists of an individual home exam/academic paper over five days, of 3000 words (+/- 10 %). Supervision will be given.

Resit/rescheduled exam The resit/rescheduled exam is organised in the same way as the ordinary exam.

Examination support material is permitted.

The grades pass/fail are used.

All submitted papers will be assessed by two internal examiners. In accordance with the Guidelines for Appointment and Use of Examiners at OsloMet, the mode of assessment will periodically be reviewed by an external programme supervisor.