Learning outcome

Through assigned and voluntary readings, in-class lectures, seminars, discussions and field trips students will gain a theoretical and empirical basis for understanding social and cultural expressions of the national and regional identity. Do cultural expressions interface with myth and reality? Do aspects of nature influence cultural expression in Telemark? Do Norwegians today identify with cultural expressions from earlier periods? Students will be encouraged to apply insights from this course to their own national and regional culture Are expressions in the folk arts and literature relevant today?

Course Description

In this entry level course students will focus on specific examples of culture in Telemark and Norway, to gain an understanding of how a nation or region chooses to express itself.

Learning methods include a series of lectures, forum entries, discussions, field trips, papers, presentations. Teaching language is English. Readings and lectures will be given in English. Oral presentations must be made in English. Written papers and exams may be in either Norwegian or English.

Assigned and voluntary readings and a series of lectures provide the theoretical basis for understanding social and cultural expressions of the national and regional identity. Do cultural expressions interface with myth and reality? Do aspects of nature influence cultural expression? Do Norwegians today identify with cultural expressions from earlier periods? Students will be encouraged to apply insights from this course to their own national and regional identities. Are expressions in the folk arts and literature relevant today?

Assessment Methods

Student-led discussions. Assignments count 60% of the final grade. Final Written Project/Paper counts 40% of the final grade. All assessed elements of the course must be passed in order to pass the course. Papers must be original works, not previously used in other courses. Letter grades.

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