Current active course description (last updated 2024/25)
Democracy, Citizenship and Politics
SAM1008
Current active course description (last updated 2024/25)

Democracy, Citizenship and Politics

SAM1008
The course is the first of two modules in the study "KfK Samfunnsfag 1(Social studies 1), for 5th-10th grade." An introduction is given to different theories and understandings of democracy, citizenship and politics. The course addresses national and international issues that affect and challenge democracy. Emphasis is also placed on didactic and exploratory learning strategies for democracy education in schools.
The course is part of the education offer "Competence for quality: Social Studies 1, 5th-10th grade." No prior knowledge is required beyond the admission requirement.

Knowledge The student has

  • knowledge of key concepts within the subject area "Democracy, citizenship and politics"
  • knowledge of democracy in the light of anti-democratic and authoritarian regimes
  • knowledge of the role of democracy in modern Norwegian and international history
  • knowledge of democracy education as a didactic topic
  • knowledge of the political system in Norway today
  • knowledge of challenges concerning the future of the welfare state
  • knowledge of advantages and disadvantages regarding Norway's connection to the EU, in particular democratic issues

Skills

The student can

  • analyze varying empirical material based on theories of democracy
  • reflect critically on national and international challenges for democracy
  • plan, lead and evaluate students' learning work in democracy, citizenship and politics
  • reflect on possibilities and challenges for democracy in a multicultural society

General competence

The student can

  • understand current social conditions in a historical and democratic perspective
  • reflect on their own practice and update themselves professionally in the field
In addition to the semester fee and syllabus literature, it is assumed that the students have a laptop at their disposal.
This is a compulsory course for students admitted to the study program Kfk Samfunnsfag 1, 5.-10. trinn.

The study is online only. The course is organised with one weekly meeting of 1-2 hours. Everything that is reviewed in the form of lectures will be recorded and posted online.

Emphasis will be placed on varied forms of work. The course aims to share knowledge, experiences and reflections among course participants, partly through Zoom or equivalent. This also applies to the implementation and presentation of work requirements. Students will be given assignments aimed at practical work at their own school. Active participation and dialogue are necessary in order to achieve the course's learning outcomes.

The study program is evaluated annually by the students through course examinations (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). Evaluation is part of the university's system for ensuring quality.

Home exam (HJ), 3 days. Grades A - F

Work requirements (AK). Approved not approved. 3 submissions and / or presentations. Further requirements and information are given in the semester plan for the course.

In order to receive a final assessment in the course, AK must be assessed as approved.

Choose start semester
Course language
Norwegian
Credits
15
Online
Teaching semesters
Autumn 2026
Responsible faculty
The Faculty of Education and Arts
Course coordinator
Employee photo: Ingvill Bjørnstad Åberg
Associate Professor

Ingvill Bjørnstad Åberg

ingvill.b.aberg@nord.no