Introduction

The Bachelor’s programme in Norwegian Folk Music is a three-year course of studies. The first two years include an introduction and a specialisation within the field of Norwegian folk music. The third year is used to strengthen the profile of the Bachelor’s degree, and the study location is not necessarily Rauland. One may mention that the folk music programme maintains good contact with Nordic and other European folk music institutions which may fill the requirements for the third year of study.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The Bachelor’s programme in folk music is designed for people who are interested in practicing folk music and in teaching Norwegian folk music. Admission to the programme is based on general admission requirements or prior experiential learning accreditation.

Aim of the Programme

The Bachelor’s programme in folk music will give the students an introduction to, as well as a specialisation in, Norwegian folk music.

The practicing, creative and mediating aspects are stressed, particularly during the second year. The students choose a main instrument which they will work with during the first two years. In the third year, the students themselves may choose a subject area which will strengthen the Bachelor’s study programme and give it a profile, either through practical or theoretical study.

Further Education opportunities

The Bachelor’s programme in folk music may form a basis for admission to the MA Norwegian Traditional Arts or other Master’s programmes.

Curriculum and structure

Course plan Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) S5(A) S6(V) Total: 30 30 30 30 0 0 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

The Bachelor’s programme in folk music is composed of Norwegian Folk Music I, Norwegian Folk music II and an additional third year of study. The third year may be taken at the Department of Folk Culture in Rauland, another department at Telemark University College, or at another university college or university. A foundation course in a humanities or social science subject or one year at a foreign educational institution are also possible alternatives for the third year of study.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study methods in the programme include lectures, individual lessons (main instrument), group lessons, seminars, excursions, home assignments and project work. Other possible methods may include concert activities, arranging musical competitions, and teaching practice.

Theory and Practical Training

The intention of training periods is to provide the students with practical experience in mediating folk music to others, either in connection with archive work, performing or mediating and teaching folk music. The programme is heavily dependent on both folk music and relevant theory.

Assessment Methods

The assessment methods include written examinations and verbally presenting practical (performances) or theoretical topics. In addition, the students will individually submit project assignments and reports. Some of the programme requirements will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis while others will receive letter grades. (Please refer to the curricula of the following study programmes: Norwegian Folk Music I and Norwegian Folk Music II).

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean