Social studies is the fourth largest mandatory subject in the Norwegian school. Social studies denotes the integrated study of multiple fields of social sciences and the humanities, including but not restricted to history, social geography, sociology, anthropology, and political science. Our research activities are therefore situated within, and stretch across, multiple scientific disciplines. We focus on various facets of teaching, didactics, knowledge production, and social justice related to social studies education at all levels of the educational system, from early childhood education and to teacher education.
Research on social studies education is growing in Norway, and we aim at being in the front of this emerging field nationally and internationally. Our activities are not restricted to research, but also include teaching, developing teaching materials, as well as exploration of teaching methods and pedagogical strategies in partnership with schools and communities nationally and internationally. We value applied and practice-oriented research, and we are interested in global cooperation and knowledge exchange while emphasizing the importance of locally grounded education.
Our main thematic research interests resonate with the core elements in the Norwegian curriculum for social studies, hereunder
- Democracy and citizenship
- Sustainable development
- Identity and community
- Critical thinking about society and social relations
- Inquiry and questioning as learning methods
We are part of the Norwegian national network for social studies in teacher education.
We welcome any comments, questions, or requests for further information. Please do not hesitate with contacting Karl Christian Alvestad.
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