Course Description

Assigned and voluntary readings provide the theoretical basis for understanding how social, cultural (including natural environs) and economic factors (ie. industry vs. agriculture) influence and create national and ethnic identities. The idea of the “typical” Norwegian will be traced back to its roots in rural, inland Norway. This idea will be explored as both myth and reality. Contrasts in Telemark such as rural/urban, mountain/coast, State church/religious freedom, standard language/dialect, community/individual will be explored as students define identity, and discuss whether identity is fixed or changing. Students will be encouraged to apply insights from this course to their own national and ethnic identities.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Fall term. In class lectures and educational study trips. Attendance is mandatory.

Lectures, student-lead discussions, field trips, papers, presentations. Teaching language, 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.

Assessment Methods

50% Assignments; Project/Paper; 50% presentation. 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 grade. Pass/fail by special application.

Language of instruction: English

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