Course content

NORD1001 Introduction to Scandinavian language and linguistics introduces the students to Scandinavian Studies as a field of study and gives an overview of the various subfields of Scandinavian Studies. Students are presented with the central issues in Scandinavian Studies and acquire basic knowledge which will prepare them for further studies. On the one hand, the course offers an overview over Scandinavian language and literature as an academic field, its place in society, and the relationship to Norwegian as a school subject. On the other hand, it provides the students with basic knowledge and skills required for all students of Scandinavian studies, which include recognizing, describing, and producing academic texts.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course

Knowledge

• have basic knowledge of what constitutes language and literature
• have a general overview over typical traditional and contemporary questions and issues central to language and literature as scientific studies
• have general knowledge of the role played by Scandinavian language and literature in our society and in our school
• have knowledge of basic terminologies within the field of study
• have basic knowledge about the characteristics of academic texts

Skills

• can employ relevant terminologies in their own writing
• have basic skills in academic writing
• master central aspects of academic debate, including drawing on several, different sources in the discussion and outline of relevant academic topics
• master central aspects of the prerequisites of academic discourse, such as accountability and use of references and sources.

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures and groups/seminars. The groups/seminars are hands-on workshops, where the teacher education students are organized in separate groups.

Obligatory assignments

Up to 3 approved oral or written assignments as determined by the lecturers of the course. Teacher education students submit one assignment tailored to their future profession. Students can choose which written form of Norwegian ("bokmål" or "nynorsk") they use for their exam and their obligatory assignments. All obligatory assignments must be approved before students can take their exam, and approved obligatory assignments are valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).

Specific conditions

Obligatory activities from previous semesters may be approved by the department.

Course materials

A reading list for the course will be available at the beginning of the semester. The students will read a selection of texts on the history of Scandinavian studies, language and literature as objects of knowledge, and the role of Scandinavian studies in society (e.g. as a school subject).

Credit reductions