4MGL5ENG102 English Literature, Culture and Didactics

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4MGL5ENG102 (2025-2026)

Course code: 4MGL5ENG102

Course name: English 1 5-10, module 1.2: English Literature, Culture and Didactics

Semester: Fall/Autumn

Location: Oslo

Academic year: 2025-2026

Language: English 

Credits: 15 ECTS Credits

Available for course students: Yes

Application: Apply at our local application page 

 

Required prerequisite knowledge: 

General study competence at university level

Recommended prerequisite knowledge:

Good language skills in English.

Relevance within study programme:

English 1, modules 1.1 and 1.2, are compulsory components within the Year Course in English. English 1 can also be included as an elective in primary school teacher training for grades 5-10.

Introduction

The subject of English in primary to secondary school teacher training is a key tool for interpersonal understanding in a global world, as well as an important means of formative education in Norwegian classrooms. Communication, tolerance and intercultural understanding require language skills and knowledge of literature and culture. Language skills promote dialogue, provide fresh opportunities for cultural engagement and facilitate critical reflection. Subject English is important as a bridge-builder in a diverse and multicultural classroom and contributes to increased interdisciplinarity with an emphasis on democratic understanding and life skills.

English 1 for grades 5-10 provides an introduction to language, literature, culture and didactics.

English 1 consists of two modules:

  • Module 1 English Language and Language Didactics (15 ECTS credits)
  • Module 2 English Literature, Culture, and Didactics (15 ECTS credits)

Both modules must be passed to get English 1, 5-10 approved.

Study trip

The course includes a compulsory 5-day study trip to the Norwegian Study Centre in York. The stay provides a unique opportunity for both language practice and cultural insight. The study trip is a work requirement in module 1.2. Students must cover their own expenses.

Learning outcome descriptors

Knowledge

The student

  • is familiar with the current curriculum and pedagogical materials in subject English
  • is familiar with literature and other cultural expressions with an emphasis on texts for children and young people
  • has knowledge of cultures and lifestyles within the English-speaking world
  • has knowledge of various genres and their characteristics
  • is familiar with didactic research and development work in subject English with an emphasis on literature and culture

Skills

The student

  • can use English confidently and independently and be a good linguistic role model for school pupils
  • can plan and use various learning arenas within culture and literature, including digital ones, to promote learning, development and in-depth learning
  • can analyze and discuss a selection of fiction and non-fiction in writing and orally
  • can obtain and organize information about society and culture for use in teaching
  • can use different types of assessment, including formative assessment
  • is competent in academic writing and reading

General competence

The student

  • can convey relevant knowledge and use English language appropriately adapted to students in grades 5-10
  • can further develop their own cultural, literary and didactic competence
  • can exchange views on learning and practice in a professional community and contribute to the development of students and colleagues
  • can reflect on and face ethical challenges in a school context with a focus on children and young people

Content

In English 1 5-10, English Literature, Culture, and Didactics, students will acquire basic knowledge about the role of literature and culture in the English-speaking world with special emphasis on literature for children and young people. The students will also acquire knowledge of relevant current social conditions in the English-speaking world. After completing the module, students will be able to adapt and arrange a selection of English literature for children and young people in teaching, both in writing and orally.

Teaching and learning methods

All teaching takes place in English.

There will be lectures, group work, individual work, project work and presentations. Interaction and dialogue between students and between subject teachers and students is a prerequisite for learning and developing didactic competence and language practice in the subject. Attendance and active participation are required: see the teaching plan provided at the start of the course for details.

The course requires a substantial amount of independent work. Students are expected to participate actively and contribute to a positive learning environment. Class sessions will focus on the course bibliography, in addition to other subject-relevant knowledge. Parts of the course may be taught online. Details on this will be given at the start of the course.

Scope

400 hours

Coursework requirements

The following work requirements must be approved within the stated deadlines in order to take the exam in the subject:

  • A written assignment
  • An oral presentation
  • A development-related group work linked to an interdisciplinary theme in the National Curriculum 2020
  • There is also a requirement for at least 80% participation in teaching
  • Completed study trip to York

All work requirements are completed in English, and at least two must have a didactic focus.

More detailed information about the content of the work requirements, assessment criteria and deadlines will be provided in the teaching plan for the course at the start of the course. Compulsory work requirements are assessed as ‘approved’ or ‘not approved’ and do not count towards the final grade for the course. All compulsory assignments must be approved before the student can take the final exam. Reference is otherwise made to "Regulations for courses at NLA University College" and "Guidelines for compulsory work requirements for primary school and kindergarten teacher training at NLA University College".

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved / Not Approved

Final assessment

Oral examination, 30 minutes

Grading, examination

ECTS grading scale from A to F, in which E or better is necessary in order to pass

Permitted aids under examination

None

Assessment language

English

Credit reductions

The subject overlaps 10 credits towards 4MGL1ENG102 English literature, cultural knowledge and didactics.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated according to the quality system for NLA University College.

Available as Single Course

No

Other provisions

See separate information on study tour costs on the Norwegian Study Centre website.

Digital bibliography

Literature and professional resources can be found here.