Introduction

The Bachelor’s study programme in Norwegian Folk Music is a three-year course of studies. The first two years include an introduction and a specialisation within the field of Norwegian folk music. The third year is used to strengthen the profile of the Bachelor’s degree. The main aim of the third year of study is to develop students’ expertise on the basis of the two years of preceding study in the subject.

One may mention that the folk music programme maintains good contact with Nordic and other European folk music institutions, which provides an opportunity for students to study abroad for part of the third year of study.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The Bachelor’s programme in Norwegian Folk Music is designed for people who are interested in performing and teaching Norwegian folk music. Admission to the study programme is based on general admission requirements or prior experiential learning accreditation.

Aim of the Programme

The Bachelor’s programme will provide students with an introduction to, and specialisation in, Norwegian folk music.

The practicing and mediating aspects are stressed, particularly during the second and third years. Students choose a main instrument which they will work with for the whole of the three-year study programme. In the third year students can choose a subject area through a larger project that will strengthen the profile of their Bachelor studies, either through practical or theoretical study.

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:

• Knowledge of Norwegian folk music and its historical and cultural contexts
• Practical and theoretical knowledge of repertoire and instrument in Norwegian folk music, of traditional songs and / or playing techniques and local and genre-specific variations within the tradition
• Knowledge of ethnomusicological theory and has acquired an international and comparative perspective with respect to understanding Norwegian folk music

• Knowledge of relevant research and development

Skills

The candidate:

• Has acquired skills in performing instrumental or vocal Norwegian folk music and dance
• Can communicate the subject matter through performance and oral, written and audio-visual means
• Has the ability to use experience from practical and theoretical studies in their own dissemination
• Can reflect upon and discuss the concept of folk music in historical and contemporary contexts
• Can formulate, structure and implement R & D projects within the field

General competence

The candidate:

• Has good theoretical and practical knowledge within the field, from historical, cultural and contemporary perspectives
• Has ability to think critically and to reflect on contemporary issues within the field, such as tradition, continuation, authenticity and renewal
• Can communicate general knowledge within the field, through performance and in relation to theory

Curriculum and structure

The Bachelor’s programme in Norwegian Folk Music comprises Folk Music 1, 2 and 3.

Internationalization

The study programme includes an optional 3-month study trip abroad in the second year of the Bachelor’s degree, in the spring semester. It may also be possible for students to pursue part of the studies abroad in the third year.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study methods include lectures, individual lessons (main instrument), group lessons, seminars, excursions, home assignments and project work. Other methods may include concert activities, arranging folk festivals, and teaching practice.

Assessment Methods

The assessment methods include written examinations and verbally presenting practical (performances) or theoretical topics. In addition, students will individually submit project assignments and reports. Some of the programme requirements will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis while others will receive letter grades. (Please refer to the curricula of the following study programmes: Norwegian Folk Music 1, 2 and 3).

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