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? Are expressions in the folk arts and literature relevant today? Students will be encouraged to apply insights from this course to their own national and regional culture.

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.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Spring term.

Lectures, 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. Active participation is expected.

Attendance is mandatory.

Assessment Methods

• Written and oral exam (semester test), counts for 40% of final grade.
• Final written paper, counts for 60% of final grade.
• Attendance+Portfolio including mandatory homework assignments (pass/fail)

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.

There might be changes in the plan.

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