Introduction

The courses provide students with basic practical skills in simple Norwegian outdoor life in a variety of natural environments during the autumn. The students will acquire knowledge of the Norwegian outdoors as a phenomenon, as well as its history and development. They will also gain insight into Norwegian culture and various views of nature. The study provides students with the basic knowledge needed to be able to reflect about outdoor life as a phenomenon in Norway and to compare this to circumstances in their own countries.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Foreign students with relevant backgrounds interested in gaining insight into Norwegian outdoors traditions, culture and environments are the target group for this program.

Aim of the Programme

The courses provide students with basic practical skills in simple Norwegian outdoor life in a variety of natural environments during the autumn. The students will acquire knowledge of the Norwegian outdoors as a phenomenon, as well as its history and development. They will also gain insight into Norwegian culture and various views of nature. The study provides students with the basic knowledge needed to be able to reflect about outdoor life as a phenomenon in Norway and to compare this to circumstances in their own countries.

Learning outcome

The program provide the student with this learning outcome, devided into Knowledge, skills and General competencies

Knowledge

• Knowledge about trip planning, and how to choose destinations and routes in accordance with one’s ability, safety and realistic goals in different natural environments.
• Knowledge about different types of equipment.
• Knowledge about orienteering.
• Knowledge about how to find and establishing a campsite in the different nature types
• Knowledge about nature- and cultural topics related to the different types of nature
• Knowledge about outings in the wild: laws and regulations; the importance of leaving no traces
• Knowledge about didactics: guidelines for outings, procedures, organisation, working methods, management and leadership

Skills

• Be able to use map and compass
• Be able to establishing a campsite, setting up a tent, lavo and lean to shelter
• Be able to keep the surplus of energy on longer trips and hikes.
• Different technical skills related to the various settings mountain/forest, waterways and coastline. (see Content)

General competencies

• Be able to lead small groups in easy mountain areas
• Be able to lead canoe trips on flat water
• Be able to participate as a crew on a traditional boat

Curriculum and structure

Courses Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) 1240 Outdoors; Mountains/Forests, Coastline and Waterways 15.00 O 15 2604 The Individual, Environs and Society (Friluftsliv) 5.00 O 5 2606 Ecophilosophy 5.00 V 5 2617 Introducing Norwegian Language 5.00 V 5 2601 Norwegian Language: Intermediate Level 10.00 V   2625 Coastal and Maritime Norway 5.00 V   Total: 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

The study will provide students with basic practical skills, knowledge, attitudes and experience concerning outdoor life, culture and nature. The study will also provide students with:

• basic outdoors skills for use in various natural environments in the autumn
• the ability to assess their own competence and choose routes or excursions in keeping with that competence
• insight into the development and history of the outdoors
• the basic knowledge which will enable them to reflect on their attitudes and experiences
• involving the outdoors, society, culture and the environment.

Other potential benefits:

• insight into Telemark’s culture in the past and present
• insight into philosophy of nature
• language skills in Norwegian

Elective courses

Students are, in principle, free to choose their elective courses. These may also be chosen from other courses of studies if approved by the coordinator of their own program and the teacher of the chosen elective course. The timetable has been planned so that students will be able to follow instruction in the courses: 2602 Telemark Culture: Yesterday and Today, 5 ECTS credits and 2606 Ecophilosophy, 5 ECTS credits or 2600/2601/395 Norwegian Language, 10 ECTS credits.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The students will be followed up through the whole of the course of studies with learning methods which include outdoor instruction in the form of group and individual excursions, field trips, lectures, reports and group and seminar projects.

Theory and Practical Training

50/50

Assessment Methods

The student’s knowledge will be assessed by means of a student portfolio, an oral examination and a written test. In order to qualify for taking the exam the students must first fulfil the mandatory course-attendance requirements and their portfolio and reports must be approved.

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