FLKM4210 Knowledge Production and the Global South Course description

In this course, the students will acquire knowledge about the concept of knowledge production, with particular reference to the Global South.

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 the the concept of knowledge production, and accompanying paradigms about what can be known and how we can know about the world.
• has knowledge of the Global North and South dynamics of knowledge production, including decolonial challenges to European universalism.
• has knowledge of the relationship between knowledge, knowledge production, education, and power, at multiple levels of scale.
• has knowledge of the roles of education systems, and other social and institutional processes, in the production of knowledge in and about the Global South.

Skills

The student:

• is capable of discussing and explaining relevant topics in the course, and applying them to the analysis and understanding of diverse examples of knowledge production.
• is capable of discussing and assessing different perspectives on knowledge production and education in the Global South.

General competence

The student:

• is capable of explaining and problematising the concept of knowledge claims about the world, and the role and functions of knowledge production, and education, in terms of international development and sustainabilities.
• is capable of critically assessing different discourses on education and their relationship to 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 general programme description for further details.

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

• One group-work assignment to prepare a presentation about prescribed reading(s) of 5-10 minutes (the mode may vary - e.g. a podcast, seminar presentation, an equivalent written text of 700-1000 words).
• 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information).

The purpose of the coursework requirement 1 is to contribute to students’ academic formation in the analysis of published academic work and presentation of results. Requirement 3 is designed to ensure high levels of participation in the coursework and program, to support students’ academic formation.

The course is focusing on soundness and the rule of law in child protection work. It aims to further develop the knowledge from SBV 2400. A main subject for the course is the child's fundamental rights in child protection, like the right to care and protection, the right to participation and the rights for children in institutional care. Further, the legal requirements for procedural rights, investigation, documentation and decision making, are relevant subjects. Likewise, the human rights' thresholds for interference in private and family life according to ECHR Art. 8 will be given due weight. In addition, discretionary practice, from a child welfare point of view as well as a legal point of view, and the relation between facts and assessment, will be shed light on.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

None.

A grade scale with A being the highest grade and E the poorest pass grade is used. The grade F means that the student has failed the exam.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence: 

Knowledge

The student has

• advanced knowledge of children's right to care and protection, as i.e. legal requirements for coercive measures and visitation rights
• advanced knowledge of children's right to participation and the best interests principle
• advanced knowledge of children’s rights in institutions and the limitations on use of coercive measures 
• advanced knowledge of the legal requirements according to the rule of law in child welfare procedures, i.e. prudence in assessment and decision-making, investigation, documentation and in the follow-up of measures

Skills 

The student can

• analyse and take a critical approach to the power of the child protection system and to one's professional practice
• be able to present, in writing as well as verbally, legal assessments and decisions, and distinguish them from child welfare assessments, and explain and document the professional basis for such assessments and decisions in accordance with applicable legal requirements

• apply legal methods to exercise sound legal judgement and decisions in child welfare work, to secure the rights of children and parents

General competence

The student can

• critically reflect on the role of the child protection system in society, in the light of human rights
• apply legal knowledge and skills to secure the rights of children and parents in professional practice
• identify and analyse risk areas in own activities and help to prevent failure and change practice as needed