The Transformation of Humanities Education - The Case of Norway 1960-2000 from a Systems-Theoretical Perspective

The transformation of Norwegian humanities education from teacher training to research-oriented generalist education is analyzed using systems theory, showing an increase in admissions and a shift in career patterns due to the expansion of the research system and the knowledge economy. Recent developments are outlined in the afterword.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This first comprehensive study of Norwegian humanities education employs systems theory to analyze its transformation from a form of teacher training to its modern status as research-oriented generalist education. Using historical documents and statistical analyses, Vidar Grøtta shows that the expansion of the post-war research system in Norway led to an increase in admissions to humanities education in the 1960s and an ensuing research drift in humanities curricula. Interacting with certain political dynamics and the knowledge economy that has emerged since the 1970s, this research drift resulted in a shift in humanists' career patterns and a transformation of the societal functions of the humanities. The most recent developments in Norwegian humanities education, from 2000 to 2018, are outlined and discussed in the afterword to this volume.

Introduction:
Norwegian humanities education has undergone a significant transformation over the past several decades. Initially, it was primarily focused on teacher training, with an emphasis on imparting knowledge and skills to future educators. However, as time passed, the landscape of humanities education in Norway changed dramatically. This transformation was driven by a variety of factors, including the expansion of the post-war research system, political dynamics, and the emergence of the knowledge economy.

Expansion of the Post-War Research System:
One of the key drivers of the transformation of Norwegian humanities education was the expansion of the post-war research system in Norway. This system was established in the 1950s and 1960s with the aim of promoting scientific and academic research. As a result, there was a significant increase in the number of admissions to humanities education in the 1960s. This increase was driven by the growing demand for professionals with expertise in the humanities, particularly in fields such as history, literature, and philosophy.

Research Drift in Humanities Curricula:
However, the expansion of the post-war research system also led to a research drift in humanities curricula. As more and more students were admitted to humanities education, there was a growing emphasis on research-oriented courses and programs. This shift resulted in a departure from the traditional focus on teaching and learning, with an increased emphasis on producing original research and contributing to the academic community.

Shift in Humanists' Career Patterns:
The research drift in humanities curricula had a significant impact on humanists' career patterns. Many graduates of humanities education began to pursue careers in research, academia, and the public sector. This shift was driven by the growing demand for professionals with expertise in the humanities, as well as the recognition of the value of the humanities in shaping society and culture.

Transformation of the Societal Functions
The transformation of Norwegian humanities education also had a profound impact on the societal functions of the humanities. Traditionally, the humanities were seen as a means of promoting knowledge, understanding, and cultural heritage. However, as the humanities became more research-oriented, they also began to play a role in addressing social and political issues. Graduates of humanities education began to use their expertise to analyze and interpret social phenomena, to develop policies and programs that promote social justice and equality, and to advocate for the rights and interests of marginalized groups.

Recent Developments:
The most recent developments in Norwegian humanities education, from 2000 to 2018, are outlined and discussed in the afterword to this volume. These developments include the increasing importance of interdisciplinary research, the rise.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837643077