Religion and worldviews in society and history as topics for teaching and research (1-7)

The subject focuses on scientific approaches to the study of religions and worldviews, emphasizing conflict, controversial topics, and conspiracy theories, as they manifest in media, social arenas, and material culture. Didactical perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with these academic approaches to studying religions and worldviews are presented and discussed. The curriculum scope and teaching related to Christianity and other topics within religious education will align approximately with that of the primary school curriculum.

Knowledge

The student

• has gained theoretical knowledge to teach about conflict, controversial topics, and conspiracy theories.

• possesses knowledge of some of the most prevalent controversial topics and conspiracy theories in Norway and worldwide today, as well as how these are expressed in media, social arenas, and material culture.

• is familiar with specific teaching methods that can prevent or reduce the spread of conflict and conspiracy theories among students, including frameworks for fostering critical-analytical thinking, pluralism of perspectives, and source criticism.

• has knowledge of didactical perspectives on teaching about religions and worldview.

Skills

The student

• Is able to analyze how conflict, controversial topics, and conspiracy theories are expressed in media, social settings, and material culture.

• can apply relevant theories and methods to teach these topics, with an emphasis on fostering critical thinking and source criticism.

• is capable of developing lesson plans that account for pluralism of perspectives and actively work to prevent conflict and misinformation.

• can adapt teaching to students' backgrounds and pre-existing knowledge, as well as to the media and social contexts they engage with.

General competence

The student

• Is able to systematically plan, evaluate, and revise teaching plans based on the curriculum in religious education.

The course is structured with regular weekly classes. Excursions may take place outside of standard class hours. Teaching methods vary, including lectures, individual and group assignments, discussions, and both oral and written student presentations.