Language, History & Literature in Education & Competences for Democratic Culture
Language, History and Literature are prominent subjects of the Curriculum of all levels of Education, but also manifestations of written culture with a special emphasis on the formation of identities. This particular specialization examines how the teaching of these courses can lead to the development of Competences for Democratic Culture with an emphasis on the theory and practice of Education, as well as the defense of human rights, respect for cultural diversity and the development of Intercultural Competence. In order to complete their studies and receive their Master Diploma, students are required to successfully pass a total of 9 courses (7 compulsory and 2 optional) and write up the mandatory Master Thesis.
1st SEMESTER
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 8
The course’s main focus is the identification of identity formation processes (personal/social/cultural etc.) and the recognition of multiple identities within the context of school (formal education) but also in wider educational and non-educational environments.
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 8
The course aims at familiarizing students with the key principles of Democratic Culture and the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture by the Council of Europe (2018) , as well as their correlation and application in the context of the Whole School Approach.
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 9
The course aims at familiarizing students with Human Rights, their characteristics and principles, Human Rights Education and their practical applications in teaching in various educational environments.
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 2
The course aims at training students in work plans and lesson planning, using as their basis the Competences for Democratic Culture of the Reference Framework for Democratic Culture (Council of Europe).
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to highlight the connection between language, society and identities, so that students can uncover the linguistic mechanisms and social norms through which identities are constructed.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to acquaint students with methods and approaches of Theatre/Drama in Education, with a focus on Intercultural Education, so that they can apply them effectively in different learning and teaching contexts, promoting the principles of Democratic Culture.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to approach the relationship between the concepts of “identity”, “nation” and “education” in a global community, today’s world, as well as their inclusion in school processes related to Democratic Culture.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course focuses on the application of the basic theories for Curriculum construction, on curriculum as praxis, with an emphasis on democratic, non-exclusive education.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to familiarize students with teaching techniques and forms of assessment (inductive, summative, formative, etc) and their effective application in the teaching practice, with the aim of promoting the principles of Democracy.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims at presenting the Holocaust and its impact on diverse cultural groups (Jews, Roma, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, homosexuals), with the aim of raising awareness against the danger of intolerance.
2nd SEMESTER
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 8
The course aims to familiarize students with pedagogical methods and approaches that promote Democratic Culture so that they can effectively apply them in their own teaching in the context of Language and Literature courses.
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 8
This innovative course focuses on controversial issues, their definition, characteristics and all the necessary tools for teachers to be able to address them during the educational process in History and Literature courses.
MANDATORY COURSE | ECTS: 11
The course aims to acquaint students with the basic principles of scientific research methodology, research planning, organization and conduct, along with different research methods in the context of quantitative and qualitative approaches, with an emphasis on educational and social research. It is the basis for the preparation of the Master thesis.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to critically understand and recognize hate speech manifested in public discourse in physical and online communication. An attempt is made to connect this linguistic, social phenomenon with hate crimes, so that students are able to understand the emerging dangers for modern democratic societies and human rights.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course focuses on the study of modern teaching techniques of History and Literature, which promote the principles of Democratic Culture, so that students can apply them effectively in their courses. Techniques that are linked to different perceptions of the role of the teacher, the student, forming different values are thoroughly addressed.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course focuses on highlighting the historicity of the ways and practices in which human rights have been given meaning and the role played by the institution of education in recognizing and defending them, considering human rights education as a lifelong learning process aimed at change in political and social behavior.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to acquaint students with the methods of utilizing art/arts for more effective teaching of the subjects included in the Primary and Secondary Education Curriculum, in order to promote attitudes, values and behaviors related to Democratic Culture.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims to identify the elements of school leadership that promote equality and equity in diverse democratic communities and to highlight how they can be effectively implemented in practice, thus promoting the principles of Democratic Culture.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course aims at the critical genealogical analysis of the individual discourses of modern Peace Pedagogy (idealistic, critical and ecological Peace Pedagogy and pragmatic Peace Education) and of contemporary postmodernist pacifist pedagogical discourses, as well as the application of conflict resolution practices and mediation.
OPTIONAL COURSE |
ECTS: 3
The course focuses on the comparative study of alternative models of teacher training and approaches to the concept of professional development, while looking for ways to cultivate capacities for Democratic Culture, with an emphasis on the emancipatory model of teacher training.
OPTIONAL COURSE | ECTS: 3
The course focuses on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in education with the aim to build, equip and sustain a civil society that, driven by equality, inclusion and rights, will promote democracy. Issues of equity, authentic learning for the citizens and the ways in which citizens’ lives are affected by and influence AI will be addressed.
