Introduction

Scandinavian Studies in Telemark seeks to provide for international students a semester or year of academic study and social opportunity to explore dimensions of the Norwegian way of life, specifically Telemark county. Together fall and spring semester offer a broad range of academic themes, in addition to promoting intercultural competence and environmental insights while utilizing the diversity of Telemark’s geography, culture, and business community. Internationalization in higher education is a strategic goal of Telemark University College and this program is an integrated part of this college strategy.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

International, undergraduate students. Most students participate through exchange agreements. Contact our international office for more information.

One year of university studies or equivalent is required.

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.

This program offers courses in English for international students; furthermore, students with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Norwegian can choose language and literature courses taught in Norwegian.

Further Education opportunities

For the majority of students, this program is an approved exchange semester as a part of an undergraduate degree at the home institution.

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   2615 Telemark II: Social and Cultural Expressions 5.00 O   5 2617 Introducing Norwegian Language 5.00 V 5 5 2601 Norwegian Language: Intermediate Level 10.00 V 10 10 2609 Norwegian Language: Advanced level 10.00 V 10 10 2620 Writing Workshop: Norwegian for International Students 5.00 V   5 2618 Norwegian Communication: Spoken and Written 5.00 V   5 2607 Modern Norwegian Literature: Film and Fiction 5.00 V 5 5 2614 Norwegian Literature before 1900 for International Students 10.00 V 10   2613 Norwegian Literature after 1900 for International Students 10.00 V   10 1244 The Individual, Environs and Society - Winter 5.00 V   5 2604 The Individual, Environs and Society 5.00 V 5   2612 Ecophilosophy, Term paper 5.00 V 5   2606 Ecophilosophy 5.00 V 5   6026 Business, Innovation and Cultural Diversity 7.50 V   7,5 6044 Tourism and the Environment 7.50 V   7,5 2611 Independent Study Scandinavian Studies in Telemark 5.00 V 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. Final examinations in December for fall semester and in May for spring semester.

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

Theory and Practical Training

The courses in this program are primarily theoretically based.

Assessment Methods

On-going and final assessments are based on a variety of tasks: papers, tests, reports, oral presentations, final individual, written and/or oral examinations. Participation is expected. 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