This multidisciplinary course gives an introduction to the main theories of myths, fairy tales and legends in Western culture. The emphasis will lie on practical and creative methods of using storytelling and creativity in various pedagogical settings.
Admission requirements
This course is designed to offer a full-time study programme for students in Early Childhood, Social and Teacher Education. To apply for this course, you must have completed at least two years of your undergraduate degree at your home institution.
Interested students from all related academic areas are welcome to apply, for example from the fields of museum practice, social work, pedagogy, special needs, nursing, graphic design, marketing, journalism and philosophy.
How to apply
International exchange students select courses when applying for exchange.
The application deadline is 15 April.
Content
The course is designed to offer a full-time study programme for teacher students from early childhood education to lower secondary school and future social workers, approaching questions like these: Why do stories appeal to modern children?
What is special about narratives like myths, fairy tales and legends? In what way can oral stories contribute to increased knowledge about ourselves? How do people tell stories in a Sami kindergarten?
How can trips in the Nordic nature increase the understanding of the creatures in myths and fairy tales? How can stories be transformed by drama, music, arts and digital formats?
Important elements in the course are:
- the difference between myths, fairy tales and legends
- structural theories, psychological theories, eclectical theories
- myths and religion, Old Norse mythology
- the student’s own cultural identity
- the uses of fairy tales in education, therapy and social work
- heroes and monsters in literature
- aesthetics and approaches to fairytales: drama and music, stop motion animation, audio theatre, documentary and storytelling.
Teaching methods
The course provides workshops, excursions and student active methods, for instance:
- visits to museums, schools and kindergartens
- overnight stay in the forest and by the sea
- puppet making and performing
- story writing in connection with audio drama
- production of stop-motion animation and radio theatre
- work with documentaries
- entrepreneurship, like a storytelling festival created by the students
- literature studies/theory
- lectures, seminars and supervision
- cultural exchanges/discussions
- reflective journal or blog
Some activities are organized as joint projects together with the other international minor taking place in the same period, Play, movement and outdoor education.
Two overnight stays together provide transfer of knowledge between the courses and exchange of experiences between students. Nature is important in both courses, and there are also other joint activities.
Course description
For more information about this course, take a look at the course descriptions:
Costs
There is no semester fee for exchange students. Activities like overnight stay will have a low cost.
Questions about this course?
You can contact us by e-mail if you have questions about this course.
