Norwegian Language and Culture for Foreign Language Students, level 1+2

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

Students with Norwegian as their first language cannot receive credits for NOR-U1/2 or any of UiB's Norwegian language courses.

NOR-U1/2 is an intensive course with rapid progression that covers NOR-U1 and NOR-U2 in one semester.

The first part of the course focuses on topics and vocabulary dealing with one's own person, study, food, clothing, housing, weather, recreational activities and other everyday situations, and events.

The latter part of the course focuses on texts relating to daily life and student life. The texts are supplemented with general topics about Norwegian culture and society

Key parts of Norwegian morphology, syntax, and pronunciation will be covered.

Discussion and written assignment's about course topics are central. Students may also make a short presentation on a topic of their own choosing.

UiB's Norwegian language courses can be combined as follows:

  1. NOR-U1 (15 cred.) + NOR-U2 (15 cred.) + NOR-U3 (15 cred.) + NOR-U4 (10 cred.)
  2. NOR-U1/2 (30 cred.) + NOR-U3 (15 cred.) + NOR-U4 (10 cred.)

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

Students will

  • have gained an understanding of normal Norwegian speech and conversations about general topics and topics related to studies and student life

Skills

Students will

  • be able to discuss and converse in Norwegian about the same topics, using vocabulary learned during the course and with good pronunciation
  • be able to read authentic Norwegian texts at a normal level of difficulty and express themselves in writing about topics covered by the course
  • learn the key parts of Norwegian morphology and syntax

General competence

Students will

  • acquire an active vocabulary of approximately 2000 words and an even greater passive vocabulary
  • be able to recognize words and phrases that they have seen or heard before, and partly understand the meaning of a word from their knowledge of Norwegian morphology

ECTS Credits

30 ECTS credits.

Level of Study

Not applicable.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn/Spring.

Place of Instruction

Bergen.
Required Previous Knowledge
None.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Some English proficiency is necessary as classes are partially taught in English.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

There is an overlap between NOR-U1/2 and topics covered in NOR-INTRO and NOR-U1.

NOR-U1/2 combined with NOR-INTRO will give a credit reduction of 7.5 ECTS credits.

NOR-U1/2 combined with NOR-U1 will give a credit reduction of 15 ECTS credits.

Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods

The course has approximately 100 teaching hours.

It is expected that students are prepared and participate actively in lessons.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. Students who are absent more than 25% of the time will not be permitted to take the exam. Students must also submit at least five written assignments.

During the course, students will complete a mock exam at NOR-U1 level.

The compulsory requirements are valid for three semesters. This includes the semester when the lectures are given and the following two semesters.

Forms of Assessment

The course concludes with an examination that includes an oral and a written part in Norwegian Bokmål.

The oral part of the exam lasts about 15 minutes and consists of a conversation between an examiner and one or two students.The written part is a four hour, digital, on-campus exam covering listening tests, reading and writing skills. An overall grade is given.The written part of the exam counts for approximately 2/3 of the final grade, while the oral part counts for approximately 1/3.

Students may only sit for the exam once per semester and both parts of the exam must be passed in order for the student to pass the course.

Students who fail the NOR-U1/2 exam may apply to take a placement test in order to be considered for admission to NOR-U2.

As a general rule, students cannot sit for an exam more than three times. The number of examination attempts is regulated by Forskrift om opptak mv. ved UiB § 6.8 (UiB's regulations on admissions i.a.).

Grading Scale
Grading scale A-F.
Assessment Semester
Autumn/Spring.
Reading List
The reading list is announced at the start of the semester.
Course Evaluation
The course will be evaluated in line with the Department's policies and UiB's quality assurance system.The evaluation may be conducted in writing or as a discussion with the responsible teacher.
Examination Support Material
Support materials are not permitted in any written or oral exam.
Programme Committee
Programme Committee for Norwegian Language and Culture for Foreign Language Students.
Course Coordinator
Programme Committee for Norwegian Language and Culture for Foreign Language Students.
Course Administrator
Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies.