Multi-cultural Identity in a Global World

Course at Oslo University College, Faculty of Education, Spring semester
20 or 30 ECTS credit-points

• What is Cultural Identity?
• How to live in a Globalized World?
• How to develop Multi-Cultural Competence?

The course is designed for students of Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher Education, but students from other academic areas may also be accepted.

The main focus will be on exploring the concepts of "Culture" and "Identity", in the context of our present-day globalization. The course will treat these concepts both from a theoretical perspective, as well as from a practical point of view. The cultural background of the participants will be a vital resource in our discussions. The setting of Oslo, as an increasingly multi-cultural city will also be an arena for contextualization.

We will explore the following topics:

• Cultural Identity and Cultural Awareness
• Childhood and Identity Construction
• Intercultural Communication
• Culture and World-view
• Culture and Religion
• Culture and Ethics
• Human Rights and Childhood
• Cultural Identity and Racism
• Traditions, Festivals, and Rituals
• Processes of Globalization
• Global Consciousness
• Cross-cultural Competence
• Social Commitment in a Globalized World

These and other topics will be treated with due consideration of the participants' background. The primary context for the discussions will be that of Kindergartens and Schools.

Requirements for 20/30 ECTS credit-points:

1. Active participation in classes and discussions
2. Individual presentation of one's own culture with reference to educational  challenges
3. One paper on a subject treated in the course.
4. Fieldwork paper, with following presentation in class.

Addition for 30 credits:

1. Extended period of fieldwork for the abovementioned paper and presentation.
2. Oral exam based on the fieldwork and the required readings.

Class-work will be completed during the 3 month period, February - April. Students on the 20-credit program will finish the course at the
end of April. Students on the 30-credit program will continue through the month of May.

For more information, please contact the International Unit at the Faculty of Education, Vera.Berg , or Geir.Hoaas .

• Application form (pdf)
• Application form (word)
• Information about Norway (word)