Literature from the English-speaking World in the Classroom (5-10): Theoretical and Didactical Perspectives

The course focuses on critical application of acquired theoretical and research-based knowledge of various topics in English teaching at the primary and upper primary school level and provides a thorough introduction to English-language literature for grades 5-10. The course will also cover various literary, cultural, and critical perspectives and methodology, and a wide and varied selection of genres, both reference texts and fiction, as well as film. Through working with a wide range of visual and written texts within children's, youth, and adult literature - including picture books, graphic novels, digital and multimodal texts, films, novels, short stories, plays and poems - and the use of varied teaching methods, students will develop in-depth knowledge on the roles various topics related to multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion play in the student's acquisition of English at the upper primary and lower secondary levels.

Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge of a variety of literary theories and socio-cultural perspectives related to, for example, multiculturalism and multilingualism
• in-depth knowledge of how to adapt teaching to student requirements and needs
• in-depth knowledge of academic processes, and research methods and ethics
• in-depth knowledge of how, for example, multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion affect influence student experience of literature

Skills

The student will

• be able to independently apply relevant theories and methods to cultural and literary research and professional development
• be able to critically evaluate and apply relevant cultural, critical and literary theories and methods in English
• be able to select and use various children's and youth literature as educational resources to promote English acquisition at the upper primary and lower secondary levels

General competence

The student can

• apply didactic, cultural and literary knowledge and skills to professional challenges, tasks, and projects
• demonstrate extensive mastery of relevant cultural and literary academic language and research methodologies
• communicate issues, analyses, and results related to English-language studies with specialists, colleagues, and others (for example, parents)

The course will include lectures, individual and group assignment work, discussions, and oral presentations. The course may also include guest speakers. All students are expected to contribute actively.