Introduction

This specialisation study programme focuses mainly on design, product development and artistic expression in textiles. By alternating between theory and practice, students will develop their personal skills and the ability to justify their professional choices. On this basis, the study programme will provide a platform for personal development and encourage an awareness of the field’s possibilities and values with respect to the individual, school and society. The study programme will provide students with skills for teaching in primary and secondary schools, folk high schools, and music and art schools. The study programme focuses on knowledge, skills and familiarity with creative processes and aesthetic qualities in the subject area.

The study programme is based on the common goals described under art and handicrafts in the National Curriculum, Subject Teacher: Education in the Arts, established by the Ministry of Education and Research on 3rd April 2003.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The study programme is primarily intended as a subject specialisation in the Bachelor’s degree programme, Subject Teacher: Education in the Arts, or as the fourth year of study in the same programme. It may also be included as the third year of study in the Bachelor’s degree programme, Visual Arts and Design, or as an independent study programme. Admission requirements are a minimum of 60 ECTS in arts, crafts and design subjects or the equivalent at university college level.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme will increase students’ knowledge and experience of the creative use of textiles, and students will learn to recognise the opportunities and possibilities offered by creative activity, teaching and dissemination. It will further develop students’ awareness of the potential and values of this specialisation subject, in which people, learning, culture and environment are vital components. It will stimulate curiosity, interest in research and enjoyment of the subject, and reinforce and encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and an active learning environment.

Further Education opportunities

The study programme may:

• provide the academic foundation for admission to Master’s degree studies, for example, in Art & Design Education or Traditional Arts
• form part of a multidisciplinary Bachelor’s degree
• provide the academic foundation for further art, culture and design-related studies

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is divided into 6 courses, which cover different areas pertaining to work with textiles. The courses build upon each other both technically and academically and may not be taken as independent courses outside the programme. The first five courses must be assessed and approved before the student will be allowed to complete the last course in the study programme, the Final Project / Bachelor’s Assignment.

The courses are as follows:

The courses are taught in the spring semester (30 ECTS) and autumn semester (30 ECTS).

Subject content may be distributed across several courses and approached in different ways.

Some of the subject material may be considered common to all of the specialisation programmes. This will be mediated largely through seminars/lectures.

In addition to the courses, activities such as ‘Open Door’ and ‘Research Days’, and possibly other activities, will be included in the study programme.

Student Council

Students will elect their own Student Council consisting of 2-3 students who will function as intermediaries between the teaching team and the class in matters such as the planning and execution of class activities.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Individual work by students constitutes an important learning method in the study programme. Through guidance and discussion involving the teacher and fellow students, reflection will be related to the students’ own creative work. The study programme includes demonstrations, practical exercises, skills training, and lectures.
It is important that students cooperate with fellow students in various practical exercises. The practical and theoretical work will form a whole in the study programme.

Visual presentation is an essential part of the academic work processes. Presentations, exhibitions and the documentation of creative processes will be emphasised. This work will include written reports including students’ reflection on the subject and photo documentation.

Students will have to cover some of the extra costs for materials in the study programme.

Theory and Practical Training

Roughly five weeks of the academic year are reserved for the course Subject or Professional Didactic Practice. Three of these weeks are associated with teaching in upper secondary schools, folk high schools or other educational institutions.

Students who are not enrolled on a three-year subject-teacher programme will normally complete a period of work-experience at a business or carry out project practice. These students may also apply to complete their practice period at a school if desired. The application must be sent to the programme coordinator or the practice office.

Assessment Methods

There should be consistency between the objectives, content, teaching and learning methods and assessment in the study programme. The assessment constitutes part of the actual learning process, and will allow individual students to reach goals and gain insight into their own aptitude for further study and future employment.

The period of practical training must be approved before the student can be awarded a diploma.

Students are personally responsible for keeping themselves informed about assignment requirements, deadlines and programme requirements, etc. All assignments must be completed and submitted by the deadline specified in the semester plan/year-plan/period plan before the student will be allowed to complete the final course, the Bachelor’s Assignment. The student must receive passing marks in all the courses in order to be awarded a diploma for successfully completing the study programme.

The course Subject and Professional Didactic Practice will be assessed pass/fail.

All other courses will be assigned a letter grade, on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest possible grade, and E is the lowest passing grade.

The courses may be assessed in different ways, including portfolio assessment and written examinations (please refer to the individual course descriptions for more information).

The course grades and the title of the Bachelor’s Assignment will be entered on the diploma. Students who do not complete the study programme will receive a transcript of the grades for the courses they have passed.

Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for further information.

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