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.

Curriculum and structure

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) 2622 Norway and Telemark: Regional Identity 7.50 O 7,5   2623 Norway and Telemark: Social and Cultural Expressions 7.50 O   7,5 2600 Norwegian Language: Beginning Level 10.00 V 10 10 2601 Norwegian Language: Intermediate Level 10.00 V 10 10 2609 Norwegian Language: Advanced level 10.00 V 10 10 2626 Fantastic Literature for International Students 7.50 V 7,5   2631 Ecophilosophy 7.50 V 7,5   2630 Viking Age and medieval Norway and Scandinavia 7.50 V 7,5   1247 Norwegian perspectives on Outdoor Education 7.50 V 7,5   2613 Norwegian Literature after 1900 for International Students 10.00 V   7,5 1248 Norwegian Perspectives on Outdoor Education II, winter 7.50 V   7,5 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