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

This program aims to offer an academic course of studies in English for international, undergraduate students: to provide an understanding of Telemark and Norway today; to stimulate critical thinking and personal reflection in an intercultural setting. Furthermore, students with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Norwegian can choose language and literature courses taught in Norwegian.

Further Education opportunities

For the majority of students, this program is an approved exchange semester as a part of an undergraduate degree at the home institution.

Curriculum and structure

The courses are mainly at upper division undergraduate level. Students may register for additional courses that total more than 30 Norwegian study points. Some courses are offered on a rotational basis.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The academic term of this program is a full-time, one semester (30 study points/ECTS credits), extending through 17 weeks including an orientation week, a fall break and final examinations in December.
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 variiety 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