School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Course Syllabus

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Knowledge and Understanding
After completed studies, the student shall show knowledge about different
- theoretical perspectives on special needs education,
- meanings of the concept inclusion, and
- types of documentation for promoting learning among pupils.

Competence and Skills
After completed studies, the student shall be able to
- understand the consequences of different theoretical perspectives for varoius challenges and problems within special needs education,
- specify some strategies for the handling of problems related to special needs education in the classroom, and
- critically examine different forms for documenting pupil performance and progress.

Judgement and Approach
After completed studies, the student shall be able to
- analyse issues and challenges related to special needs education, on an individual, classroom and institutional level.

The course deals with different theoretical perspectives on issues related to special needs education, and the consequences of these differing perspectives for the way in which pupil difficulties are interpreted and handled in school and pre-school. Recurrent problems within special needs education are also studied in relation to the social and societal situations of different student groups. On this basis, and taking into consideration the classroom situation, the pedagogical possibilities of the concept inclusion are studied. In this context, documentation is also discussed.

Teaching may be conducted in the form of lectures, seminars, exercises, web-based discussions and workshops.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

The grades will be translated to the ECTS grading scale.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Standard university admission requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

The course is given in English.


Transitional Provisions

Should the course undergo changes to such an extent that it is not possible to examine the student in accordance with this course syllabus, opportunities for special examination sessions will be provided in accordance with the university's local guidelines. If this occurs, the university will inform the students involved.

Required Reading

Selected articles (at least 50 pages) from e.g. European Journal of Special Needs Education, International Journal of Special Education, International Journal of Inclusive Education, etc.

The Swedish National Agency for Education: Reports and official documents on Education according to instructions from the lecturer, 50 pages.

The Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education UNESCO.

Valfria artiklar (minst 50 sidor) från t.ex. European Journal of Special Needs Education, International Journal of Special Education, International Journal of Inclusive Education, osv.

Skolverket: Rapporter och officiella dokument gällande utbildningsområdet enligt lärarens anvisning, 50 sidor.

Salamancadeklarationen.

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