Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature

Study programme code MASTNOR

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements The master's degree programme builds on a previously completed Cand.Mag. degree; alternatively, a bachelor's degree with the extension course included or with a specialisation in Nordic of at least 80 ECTS credits. A minimum of 30 of the 80 credits must be from language courses and 30 from literature courses; the master's degree may not be based on a pure literature or pure language specialisation. Further, a minimum of 20 credits must have been taken on extension course level. Students with a Bachelor's Degree in literature or in communication may qualify for admission on certain conditions. Separate admission requirements may be determined for particular specialisations.

General description and profile of the programme

The Masters´s Degree Programme comprises a total of 120 credits combined in the following manner:
- one obligatory course (15 credits)
- three elective courses (15 credits each, total of 45 credits)
- Master´s thesis (60 credits)
The obligatory course comprises:
- subject history
- scientific theory
- linguistic and literary fundamental theory
Electives
The three elective courses are to clearly represent separate disciplines in the subject area. They may be freely chosen within Nordic literature or languages, or they may be combined courses;however, they must be based on the institute´s course offering. One course may be connected with the Master´s thesis. Instruction is normally offered in both linguistic and literary coursework each semester. The courses in which instruction will be offered will be presented in separate course descriptions before semester start.

Master´s Thesis
The Master´s thesis is to be an independent project completed in collaboration with an appointed advisor. The thesis may be either individual or part of a collaborative project. The institute can offer assistance to formulate problematic approaches for the thesis. Students are appointed an advisor based on their project description. The length of the Master´s thesis is normally 80-120 printed pages.

Courses Offered Autumn 2009
During autumn semester 2009 instruction will be offered in the programme´s obligatory course as well as two electives, one linguistic and one literary. Instruction will in most cases take place in seminars.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes Having completed the programme the students should
-have a broad insight into and comprehensive knowledge about specific aspects of Nordic languages and literature
- have acquired deeper knowledge about certain aspects of the subject area through specialisation courses in linguistics or literature
- have general knowledge of scientific theory and method
- have knowledge of basic scientific problems typical for the discipline
- have general knowledge of the history, tradition and characteristics of the discipline
- develop an independent critical attitude to scientific material and presentation
- apply scientific theory and method
- carry out a supervised research project (60 ECTS credits)
- apply acquired knowledge to new situations

Teaching methods Lectures and seminars.
The Master´s thesis NO-500-1)is an independent work under supervision.

Assessment methods NO-400 The core course is examined in a home examination counting 12.5% of the final mark. Each of the specialisation course examinations also counts 12.5% of the final mark. A variety of examination forms is used for the specialisation courses; see course descriptions.
The master's thesis and the written school examination in Specialisation 1 must be written in different Norwegian language variants. The thesis counts 50% of the final mark and the result is entered separately in the Master's degree diploma.

Student exchange Parts of the programme may be studied in one of the other Nordic countries. By previous approval one or two of the specialisation courses may be replaced by examinations from universities in one of the other Nordic countries. It may also be possible (on application) to be accredited for prior examinations taken in other master's degree programmes in Nordic.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme The examination in the core course NO-400 must be taken prior to or in the same semester as the first examination in a specialisation course.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies The programme qualifies for teaching and research but also for other fields that concern themselves with the production and dissemination of literature, and that require good Norwegian language skills. Such fields may be the media, publishing, advertising and public relations, libraries and other culture institutions, and public administration. The qualifications gained may also open up work opportunities abroad, presenting and disseminating Norwegian and Nordic languages and literature to foreign countries.

Qualification awarded Master's Degree Nordic Languages and Literature

Contact person Alf Kjetil Igland (38141568 )