Introduction

The Department of Humanities & Cultural Studies at Telemark University College offers studies in the following subjects: English literature and language, Norwegian literature and language, Spanish and Latin American languages and cultures, examen philosophicum (introductory course in philosophy) and linguistics.

Students enrolled on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Language and Literature may choose between two different specializations:

• English Literature and Language
• Norwegian Literature and Language

Each specialization comprises at least 80 ECTS credits of the Bachelor’s study programme. The rest of the study programme consists of compulsory and elective courses.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The target group includes all applicants with an interest in language and literature and who wish to acquire a broad knowledge of English and / or Norwegian, either for use in the field of education or other purposes which require good language skills. Spanish may also be selected as a component of the degree.

The study programme is aimed at those who have an interest in language and literature in both communicative and cultural-historical contexts.

The study programme is suitable for those who wish to acquire expertise in one or more languages ​​for the purpose of teaching in schools or other types of instructional settings, or who wish to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

Applicants must fulfill general admission requirements.

Aim of the Programme

The Bachelor’s degree study programme in Language and Literature aims to stimulate critical and reflective thinking. It aims to contribute to the understanding of language as a communicative instrument, both in practical and literary contexts, and thus aims to promote cultural and social understanding.

The Specialisation in English provides a thorough introduction to British and American literature and culture, knowledge of the conditions in the rest of the English-speaking world, a broad foundation in English grammar and phonetics, and in the oral use of language.

The Specialisation in Norwegian provides a thorough introduction to Norwegian and Scandinavian languages and literature from the Middle Ages to the present day, in a broad cultural context. The four courses which compose the one-year programme in Norwegian, with a total of 60 ECTS credits, ensure a broad understanding and knowledge of the subject, and qualify the candidates to teach Norwegian at various types of schools. The specialization component of the study programme provides insight into Nordic, particularly Norwegian, language and literature in older and more recent times, understanding of language and literature as a central part of the national culture, and understanding of the interplay between language, literature and society.

The study programme provides successful candidates with the necessary academic foundation for teaching in schools - grades 8-10, and in the upper secondary school. Students who complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (1-year programme) will be qualified to work as teachers.

The study programme may also provide a foundation for seeking positions in other areas of employment, such as publishers, the media, information work, tourism and international work, etc.

A Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Language provides the basis for applying for admission to the Master’s degree programme in Cultural Studies at The Department of Humanities & Cultural Studies and Master’s degree programmes in relevant subjects at other institutions in Norway and abroad (see separate requirements).

Learning outcome

Bachelor’s degree programme in Language and Literature, specialization in English Literature and Language:

A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature with specialization in English Language and Literature will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate:

• Has an overview of the main features of English grammar, the English sound system and the historical development of the English language
• Is able to reflect on the relationship between linguistic form and content
• Is able to explain the main characteristics of British and American literature and culture from 1600 to the present day
• Has basic knowledge of the role of the English language, literature and culture worldwide

Skills:

The candidate:

• Has the ability to think analytically about language and use linguistic tools
• Has the ability to analyze and critique literary texts
• Will be able to express himself/herself orally and in writing in correct and idiomatic English
• Is able to understand the various linguistic varieties and styles
• Is able to understand the cultural differences within the English-speaking world

General competence:

The candidate has the ability to:

• Use English as an effective means of communication in writing and speech
• Use newly acquired knowledge of English in new contexts
• Communicate knowledge of the English language, culture and literature in general and in professional contexts
• Compare cultures in the English-speaking world with cultures in Norway

Bachelor’s degree programme in Language and Literature, specialization in Norwegian Literature and Language:

A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature with specialization in Norwegian Literature and Language will have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate has:

• Good knowledge of the Norwegian language system, Norwegian language use, Norwegian language-related social conditions, Norwegian language history and Norwegian dialects
• Knowledge of similar conditions that apply to Swedish and Danish, and some knowledge of the Old Norse language system
• A good overview of the Nordic literature, particularly Norwegian, from the Norse period up until the present day
• Knowledge of the most important Nordic authors and their writings, especially Norwegian
• Broad knowledge of the main literary genres (epic, poetry and drama)
• Knowledge of various principles of the history of literature writing and literary criticism
• Thorough knowledge of written standards for Norwegian Bokmål and Nynorsk

Skills:

The candidate has the ability to:

• Write Norwegian bokmål and nynorsk clearly and correctly
• Write articulately and coherently, descriptive, logical and persuasive texts about Nordic languages ​​and literature
• Analyze and discuss linguistic and literary topics in an academic manner
• Gather information on the subject area and evaluate it critically
• Work actively to strengthen his/her knowledge and skills in the subject

General competence

The candidate is able to:

• Provide training and guidance to pupils, students and others in the Norwegian language system, language-use and in the formulation of texts
• Provide training and guidance to pupils, students and others in Nordic literature and particularly Norwegian literature
• Communicate in general on topics in Nordic studies

Curriculum and structure

The study programme includes two different specializations: English Literature and Language and Norwegian Literature and Language.

Bachelor’s degree programme in Language and Literature, specialization in English Literature and Language:

1. Courses in English Literature and Language: one-year study programme in English (60 ECTS); extension courses in English (20 ECTS).
2. Examen Philosophicum (10 ECTS) and Linguistics (10 ECTS).
3. Compulsory and elective courses (80 ECTS) - in one or more other subjects, such as Norwegian literature and language, Spanish and Latin American languages and culture, history, history of ideas or in non-humanities subjects.

Bachelor’s degree programme in Language and Literature, specialization in Norwegian Literature and Language:

1. Courses in Norwegian Literature and Language: one-year study programme in Norwegian (60 ECTS); and extension courses in Norwegian (20 ECTS).
2. Examen Philosophicum (10 ECTS) and Linguistics (10 ECTS).
3. Compulsory and elective courses (80 ECTS) - in one or more other subjects such as English literature and language, Spanish and Latin American languages and cultures, history, history of ideas or in non-humanities subjects.

Internationalization

Telemark University College has close cooperation and exchange agreements with foreign universities and colleges, mainly in North America and Europe. Students may, in consultation with the study counsellor and teachers, study abroad for one semester or one academic year at selected institutions, and have the period of study abroad incorporated into their Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and Literature.

The college has agreements with the following institutions: in North America: The University of Alberta - Augustana Faculty (Canada), Luther College (Iowa, USA), Augustana College (South Dakota, USA), Franklin College (Indiana, USA) and the Pacific Lutheran University (Washington, USA ).

Studies abroad at institutions in Scandinavia and European countries can be arranged through NORDPLUS (Scandinavia) and ERASMUS (Europe). Telemark University College has agreements with the following institutions: The University of Aarhus (Denmark), The University of Southern Denmark (Denmark), Södertörn University (Sweden), The University of Gdansk (Poland), Universidad de Alicante (Spain) and Universidad de Girona (Spain).

In addition, the Department of Humanities & Cultural Studies offers courses abroad through Gateway College and Andes Studies.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning methods vary from course to course, and include lectures, field trips and seminars, in which students are given the opportunity to present their own work on course topics. The study programme also includes the submission of written work and examinations. Please refer to the individual course descriptions for more information.

Theory and Practical Training

Studies in language and literature is of a theoretical character. However, emphasis will also be given to how theory may be applied and assessed in practice; for instance, in relation to everyday experiences, or research and other scholarly activities.

For instance, the theoretical study of language and grammar, in relation to writing and speech, may be employed when teaching language. Another example is the study of the literature and cultures of other countries, which provides a foundation for understanding their texts and forms of communication; and also for understanding forms of communication across cultural, national and regional divides.

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed throughout the study programme in various ways; for instance, through written and oral examinations and written assignments.

The various forms of assessment aim to establish the extent of knowledge, understanding and skills that students have acquired throughout the study programme (see learning outcome); for more information, please refer to the individual course descriptions.

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