Aesthetic Specialization in Professional Ethics Education

This specialisation course emphasises aesthetic experiences and expressions through the subjects of arts and crafts, drama and music. The specialisation course provides both academic and interdisciplinary insight into aesthetic subjects as a source of aesthetic learning processes for children. The development of the students’ aesthetic awareness, practical skills and creative abilities are key. Specialisation in professional ethics education will provide ethical knowledge, reflection on diversity in kindergarten and the kindergarten’s core values, and facilitate the students’ professional education. Part one of this specialisation is a creative and performative part related to a practical, interdisciplinary project ‘From idea to performance’. Part two is a practical-didactic project involving children in kindergarten related to an individual specialisation assignment (written and oral). Content in part one and part two: - aesthetic theory and the use of aesthetic devices in one’s own expressions - work on a topic in artistic expression - practical skills in aesthetic subjects - creative work, contemporary art and culture. Part three is related to professional ethics education, where ethical theory, values, formation and professionalism are key topics. Content in part three: - ethical theory, values, formation and professional integrity, professional ethics discussions, philosophical conversations with children, and children in grief and crisis.

Passed 60 credits after completing two years of the Bachelor in Kindergarten Teacher Education programme. Passed the supervised professional training courses during the 2nd year of study.

KNOWLEDGE

Candidates

• have knowledge about creative processes that can be used as a source of experience, creative work and artistic expressions

• have knowledge about the entire production process when creating a performance

• have knowledge about project-based work with children in kindergartens

• have knowledge about ethical theory

• have knowledge about kindergarten’s core values, formation and socialisation

SKILLS

Candidates

• have the ability to communicate academically

• have further developed their knowledge about, and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques in the subjects, and can use these in their own artistic expressions

• understand and can reflect on development work and research as a prerequisite for strengthening artistic and cultural work in kindergartens

• can talk to children about ethical and philosophical questions

• can reflect critically on their own values, attitudes and behaviour

GENERAL COMPETENCE

Candidates

• understand the kindergarten teacher’s importance as a co-creator, participant and role model in children’s formation, exploration and expression

• can plan, structure and create environments that invite children to partake in aesthetic experiences, wonder, exploration, creative enthusiasm and play

• can lead groups of children in aesthetic processes

• can meet ethical challenges in everyday kindergarten life and reflect critically on ethical issues

• can work educationally on ethical and philosophical issues with children

Semester fees and course literature.

Material costs of NOK 400 are included as teaching materials in course teaching.

Elective specialisation, integrated theory and practice course in kindergarten teacher education.

Teaching and work methods will vary between lectures, group work, group discussions, process work, workshop sessions, and practical work. Independent work will be conducted in connection with project assignments. There will be both interdisciplinary and individual subject work.

Active participation and collaboration between students are prerequisites for achieving the course’s learning outcomes. Here, interactive processes, presentation work and academic conversations between students, and between students and teachers, will be essential.

Visits to varied, professional artistic institutions will be of great importance for achieving the learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to participate on organised study trips.

The programme of study is evaluated annually by the students through course surveys. These evaluations are part of the University’s quality assurance system.

Supervised professional training is integrated into all fields of study in the kindergarten teacher education programme. Detailed information about the content of the supervised professional training period can be found in the supervised professional training course plan.

The supervised professional training period must be passed in order to proceed to the next supervised professional training period. In special cases, the head of studies may decide on deviations from this rule.

• Compulsory participation, 80% attendance requirement in teaching and scheduled activity. Assessed as approved/not approved, set as a condition for obtaining a final course grade.

• Coursework 1: Group presentation of syllabus material

• Coursework 2: Visits to varied, professional artistic institutions, including follow-up work. Specified in more detail in the semester plan.

• Coursework 3 and 5: Group presentation of performance outline (topic, ideas for visual, musical and theatrical expression)

• Coursework 4: individual written coursework related to the professional ethics education course.

The coursework may be divided into several parts with different deadlines. This is described in more detail in the semester plan.

The main rule is that a maximum of two submission attempts are given on written coursework. All coursework must be approved in order to receive a final course grade.

Final assessment:

• Assignment with oral adjustment. Individual written specialisation assignment with oral presentation. The written assignment receives a grade that can be adjusted according to the oral presentation. Grading scale, A-F. Weighted 30%.

• Practical examination: Practical, interdisciplinary project ‘From idea to performance’ that must be performed in at least two kindergartens. Grading scale, A-F. Weighted 40%.

• Written examination, Individual written examination in professional ethics education, 4 hours. Grading scale, A-F. Weighted 30%

The final grade is set when all components are passed.

Permitted examination support materials on the written examination are the Framework Plan for the Content and Tasks of Kindergartens and the Kindergarten Act. The Framework Plan for the Content and Tasks of Kindergartens and the Kindergarten Act are available in Inspera during the written examination.

Bilingual dictionary

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

BLU320 - Aesthetic specialization in professional ethics education - 30 credits

ABLU350 - Aesthetic specialization in professional ethics education - 30 credits