UV9366 – Sustainability in educational research: normativity, knowledge boundaries and transformation

Course content

Environmental and sustainability education research is expanding both nationally and internationally, as a part of institutional responses to the current global challenges of climate crisis, nature crises, global inequity and pressure on cultural and biological diversity. The present situation raises fundamental questions within pedagogy and education, regarding both purpose and organization. The course provides an introduction to major contributions, positions and debates, inviting the participants to reflect on the positioning of their own project within the larger research field. Lectures and workshops provide opportunities for both theoretical explorations and discussions as well as hands-on analysis of selected empirical material.

The course is structured around three overall concerns: First the role of normativity, including ethical and political perspectives. Second, knowledge boundaries and how these are challenged within environmental and sustainability education. Third, the purpose of education is addressed, with an emphasis on the tension between reproduction and prospects of change, encouraging the participants to elaborate on the conception of education within their own projects.

The course is organized by research group Challenges of Sustainability in Educational Research (COSER) in collaboration with Humanities Studies in Education (HumStud).

Learning outcome

On completion of the course, the PhD candidate shall have achieved the following learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and general competence):

• Demonstrate knowledge of current theoretical and methodological approaches to sustainability in educational research
• Be able to critically analyse approaches to sustainability in current educational research
• Be able to reflect on researcher positionality within the field of sustainability education
• Be able to engage in a variety of analytical approaches to qualitative empirical material regarding challenges of sustainability in educational research
• Be able to reflect on the conceptualization of education and pedagogy with regard to reproduction, transformation and change

Admission to the course

This course has been developed for PhD candidates affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Sciences (UV), but others may also apply. PhD candidates at The Faculty of Educational Sciences will be given priority. As a minimum requirement, all participants must hold at least a Master`s degree.

Registration for spring semesters opens December 1st.

PhD candidates affiliated with the Faculty of Educational Sciences register through Studentweb.

Other applicants may apply using the application form for spring 2024 (opens December 1st)

Deadline for registering: March 15th, 2024

Recommended previous knowledge

PhD candidates doing research relating to challenges of sustainability in educational research.

Teaching

Format teaching and course activities:The course will consist of lectures and collaborative group discussions and analysis of empirical material provided by the facilitators and participating PhD candidates. 

Examination

Requirements to obtain 3 credits: Approved participation, course activities and final paper (essay 5-7 pages).

80% attendance is required.

Papers are to be submitted electronically in Canvas. More information will be available in Canvas.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.