Aim of the Programme

The goal of this two-semester program is to offer international undergraduate students an extended period of immersion into the cultural setting of academic studies. All totaled, the courses will provide a broad range of social and cultural insights into Telemark and Norway: past and present. Together with personal developments of learning by adjusting to a new culture, the students will be exposed to the requirements of critical thinking and independent work, which characterize the Norwegian academic context.

Curriculum and structure

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) 2602 Telemark I: Regional Identity 5.00 O 5   2604 The Individual, Environs and Society 5.00 V 5   2617 Introducing Norwegian Language 5.00 V 5 5 2612 Ecophilosophy, Term paper 5.00 V 5   2606 Ecophilosophy 5.00 V 5   2022 Emigration/Immigration: Midwestern Texts 10.00 V 10   2611 Independent Study Scandinavian Studies in Telemark 5.00 V 5 5 2614 Norwegian Literature before 1900 for International Students 10.00 V 10   2609 Norwegian Language: Advanced level 10.00 V 10 10 2601 Norwegian Language: Intermediate Level 10.00 V 10 10 2615 Telemark II: Social and Cultural Expressions 5.00 V   5 2620 Writing Workshop: Norwegian for International Students 5.00 V   5 2607 Modern Norwegian Literature: Film and Fiction 5.00 V   5 2613 Norwegian Literature after 1900 for International Students 10.00 V   10 5020 Business, Innovation and Cultural Diversity 5.00 O   5 5979 Introduction to Development Studies 10.00 O   10 5401 Tourism and the Environment 5.00 O   5 Total: 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

The courses are offered in English and are mainly at upper division undergraduate level. Students may register for additional courses that total more than 60 Norwegian study points. Some courses are offered on a rotational basis.

Teaching and Learning Methods

This program is a full-time, full academic year of study (60 study points/ECTS credits), extending through 17 weeks + 17 weeks including an orientation week, a fall and spring break. One week of exameniations in December and one final week of examinations in May.

Learning methods include lectures (contact hours: 45 minutes), group work, seminars, tutoring, field work and independent study.

Assessment Methods

Final assessment is based on a variety of tasks: papers, tests, reports, oral presentations, final individual written examinations; the grade scale is from A-F; E is the last passing grade. Pass/No Pass applies to some courses.

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