Course content

English 2 builds upon English 1 and gives further insight into English subject didactic questions related to the education of pupils in upper primary and lower secondary school. The students will further develop their knowledge of linguistic structures, English as a world language, a variety of oral, written and visual texts, as well as historical and cultural issues within the English-speaking world. The course consists of further developing students' language proficiency and literary competence. English 2 provides more experience with activities and methods that can inspire and promote learning, as well as further insight into choosing and using texts and other learning resources. Under supervision, the students will design and execute an independent research project, whose findings are documented through the written assignment (i.e., the FOU thesis). The topic for the project is decided by the students in collaboration with the supervisors; it will therefore vary from student to student.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of English as a world language and what this means for the development of linguistic, communicative, and intercultural competence
• knowledge of variations in English as a first, second, and foreign language
• detailed knowledge about vocabulary acquisition and linguistic structures in English, from sound to text level
• extensive knowledge of multilingualism as a resource in the classroom
• knowledge about a rich selection of authentic literary texts, both written, visual and oral, as well as other cultural expressions that can be used when teaching
• knowledge of society, history and a rich selection of cultural and literary artifacts from the English-speaking world
• knowledge of genres and their central characteristics, as well as norms for academic text production and the responsible use of sources and data protection
• detailed knowledge within a limited area of English subject didactics
• knowledge about what is required to write an academic essay in English didactics, including referencing standards
• knowledge about central documents (e.g., the Norwegian national curriculum) and resources for the English subject

Skills

The student can

• use English accurately and functionally for different purposes, both orally and in writing
• plan, lead, and critically evaluate varied and differentiated learning activities, including digital and interdisciplinary ones, which promote in-depth learning and the development of basic skills
• select, analyze, discuss and adapt English-language texts in different genres for children and adolescents, and use precise and adapted terminology while working with texts
• collect and adapt information about society, cultural topics, and cultural expressions from English-speaking countries for use in teaching, including interdisciplinary projects
• locate, understand, refer to, and reflect on relevant English subject research literature and write academic essays
• survey and evaluate basic language skills, employ measures for differentiated learning and discover pupils' reading and writing difficulties
• use formative and summative assessment to guide pupils in their English education
• facilitate pupils' learning about, and further investigation of, ways of living, history, and cultural expressions in English-speaking countries, focusing on comparison with own culture

General competence

The student can

• work independently and collaboratively to survey and to differentiate pupils' learning and development
• maintain and develop their language proficiency and subject didactic competence, and contribute to subject development and innovation
• critically reflect on their own learning and praxis in light of ethical values and the school's responsibility for children and adolescents' personal development

Learning methods and activities

The English subject comprises linguistic, cultural and literary components, which are closely linked. The course requires that students understand each component individually and collectively. Active participation is expected throughout the entire study process. Students are required to engage with course content through self-study outside of the organized teaching sessions, and through group work and on the digital learning platform. The FOU thesis is an independent piece of work complemented by individual supervision. Students will be assessed continuously throughout the course, and they will receive oral and written feedback from course instructors and peers. English will be used for both teaching and communication. Thus, it is expected that students use the language actively during teaching, and in written and oral communication. Further, students are expected to actively use the university library and to prepare for planned teaching. Through process and product oriented work with assignments and self-assessment of these, in addition to presentations and active participation in the teaching, the students will contribute to, and receive supervision in, the progression of their studies.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory work according to the course description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Good English knowledge from upper-secondary school and English 1 (5-10). The student should have completed English 1or the equivalent to be able to start English 2. "Completed" here means that all obligatory work within English 1 has been approved, which means that the student is ready to sit for the exams.

Course materials

The final reading list will be uploaded onto the digital learning platform before the start of the semester.

Credit reductions