Introduction

The study of English is both a means to an end and an end in itself, and this one-year programme provides knowledge and insight from both perspectives. All indicators suggest that a good knowledge of English will become increasingly necessary in the future. For many people this will mean they need to acquire a sufficient command of both spoken and written English to enable them to communicate for work-related purposes. In addition, English in various forms is becoming increasingly widespread all over the world. As a result it is becoming ever more important for people to improve their knowledge both of the language itself and of the constantly changing situations in which it is used. At the same time, it is important to have an understanding of the culture and history of the English-speaking world, in particular that of the UK and the USA. Accordingly, this one-year programme is composed of courses that when taken together will provide a broad knowledge and understanding of the linguistic and cultural aspects of the study of English. The study programme will improve the student’s ability to reflect critically on the global role and significance of the English-speaking world.

The Norwegian Study Centre at the University of York is run by Norwegian colleges and universities; students are given the opportunity to attend a two-week course at the Centre. This contributes to the practical study of the language, and to the study of British literature and culture.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet general admission requirements. The target group includes anyone who is interested in acquiring a solid basic competence in English, for use in teaching or other areas that require a good understanding of the language. Students should have knowledge of English that is equivalent to English studied as a special subject at upper secondary school ("videregående"), with a grade of 4 as a recommended minimum.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme provides insight into the use and structure of the English language, and also covers the literature and culture of the English-speaking world – with a particular focus on the UK and the USA – from the Renaissance to the present day.

The study programme is classified as a foundation programme and as such may be combined with other study programmes and courses to satisfy the requirements for conferral of a Bachelor’s degree in language and literature at Telemark University College. It may also be combined with other study programmes at other university colleges and/or universities.

English is a core subject in the Norwegian school curriculum, and this one-year programme may be taken as part of an undergraduate teacher-training programme (PPU). The programme will also provide a solid preparation for a career in areas that require competence in English, such as tourism, journalism, international aid work, publishing and various areas of the private and public sectors.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence.

Knowledge

The candidate

• Has a good overview of the main features of English grammar and phonology
• Can reflect upon the relationship between linguistic style and content
• Has a good overview of the main features of British and American literature and culture from 1600 to the present day
• Has basic knowledge of the global role of English language, literature and culture

Skills

The candidate

• Can think analytically about language and linguistic tools
• Can analyse and critique literary texts
• Can express himself/herself orally and in writing, in correct and idiomatic English
• Understands the linguistic and stylistic differences between different varieties of English
• Understands cultural differences within the English-speaking world

General competence

The candidate can

• Communicate effectively in both spoken and written English
• Use his or her knowledge of English in new contexts
• Disseminate his or her knowledge of English language, culture and literature
• Compare the culture of the English-speaking world with Norwegian culture

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is part-time and is divided into four semesters. The programme consists of seven courses, of which five comprise 10 ECTS credits and two 5 ECTS credits. Note that the second semester comprises 10 ECTS credits, while the fourth comprises 20 ECTS credits.

Internationalization

The Department of Humanities and Cultural Studies has a number of student-exchange agreements with higher education institutions abroad, some of which offer courses in English language, literature and culture. For further information, please contact your student adviser or consult the Bachelor’s study programme for Language and Literature.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study programme is online and workshop-based. Students need to be self-motivated and able to work independently under the supervision of their tutors and in contact with their fellow students. Two workshops take place each semester on the Bø campus. The workshops are of two or three days’ duration, depending on the semester. Teaching materials are published regularly online. These take the form of lectures, Powerpoint presentations and audio files, as well as assignments and other materials. The number of group discussions led by course tutors will vary according to the course, as will the number of question-and-answer forums on Fronter.

Assessment Methods

The various courses have different forms of assessment such as home assignments and written/oral examinations. Please refer to the individual course descriptions for more details.

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