SPED4003 Theoretical approaches to special education

    • Course code
      SPED4003
    • Number of credits
      15
    • Teaching semester
      2025 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Lillehammer
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      None

Course content

This course will provide students with theoretical and philosophical perspectives relevant to special education. It will provide students with knowledge that enables them to critically analyse existing theoretical positions in the field and introduce alternative theoretical perspectives that can contrast and contribute to more nuanced insight into the complexity of the field of special education. The course invites students to discuss the tension within and between special education research, politics, and various interests in the field of practice. The course will encourage students to engage in ethical reflections and discussion concerning the philosophical, theoretical, political, and practical dimensions of special education

Learning Outcome

Upon passing the course, students have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

Students

  • have a comprehensive understanding of the role and function theory has in the field of special education
  • have a comprehensive knowledge of the relationship between different theoretical positions and their implications for special education in research, policy, and practice
  • have knowledge of how sustainability, inclusion, and participation can be investigated theoretically within a special educational context  
Skills

Students

  • are able to critically evaluate existing knowledge in special education
  • are able to independently analyse the relationship between different theoretical positions
  • are able to reflect upon the role of theory as a foundation for comprehending the implications of inclusion, participation, and sustainability in special education
General competence

Students

  • have comprehensive competence in how different philosophical and theoretical perspectives construct our understanding of special education.
  • can demonstrate critical evaluation and analysis of theory 
  • can reflect upon their own values ​​and develop awareness concerning ethical issues in special education theory and practice
  • can position themselves within one or more theoretical perspectives and substantiate their choice using literature
Teaching and working methods
  • Lectures and seminars.
  • Independent study      
  • Group work
  • Literature studies
Required coursework
  • 75% compulsory attendance and participation in lectures and seminars
Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Home exam
ECTS - A-F
Individual
3 Day(s)
  • All
Form of assessment

Individual written essay. 3 days home exam.

Course name in Norwegian Bokmål: 
Theoretical approaches to special education
Faculty
Faculty of Education
Area of study
Special education
Programme of study
Master in Special Education - Practical Skills Transformative Learning
Course level
Second degree level (500-HN)