Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature

The general admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent education of a minimum of three years duration (180 ECTS credits).

A minimum of 80 ECTS credits must be from courses in Nordic languages or literature. The major must include a minimum of 30 credits of language courses and 30 credits of literature. A minimum of 20 credits must be extension courses at level 2. Students must master and have passed examinations in both the Norwegian language variants.

Students with less than 80 ECTS credits in Nordic languages and literature may be admitted if their education is regarded as relevant and their major and minor subjects are adequate.

Based on the major subject of 80 ECTS credits in Nordic languages and literature, an average grade of C or better is a requirement.

Ranking will be based on the average grade in the major.

Furthermore, the general regulations on admission to studies at the University of Agder will apply.

The study programme comprises 120 ECTS credits and is composed of the following:

• one theoretical course, either in Linguitic theory or Literature theory (15 ECTS credits)
• three elective topical courses (15 ECTS credits each, total of 45 ECTS credits)
• master's degree thesis (60 ECTS credits)

The theoretical courses comprise:

• linguistic or literary basic theory
• applied theory
• history of research

Elective topical courses

The elective topical courses are to represent three clearly separate disciplines in the subject. They may be freely chosen within Nordic literature or languages. Instruction is offered in both linguistic and literary courses each semester. It is possible to have individual reading lists but they must be approved by a lecturer. The elective courses have different assessment methods, which will determine whether the specialization will be called 1, 2 or 3.

Master's thesis

The master's thesis is to be completed independently by students under advisement of an appointed faculty advisor. Students will be assigned an advisor based upon their project description. The length of the master's degree thesis is normally 80- 120 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pkt,line spacing 1,5.

Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired the following learning dividends.

Knowledge

The graduate will:

• have advanced knowledge within sections of Nordic languages and literature through topical studies in linguistics and literature including specialized knowledge in a particular subject area
• have a thorough knowledge of fundamental scholarly theories, methods and approaches in their subject area
• have general knowledge of scholarly theory and method
• have general knowledge of the history, traditions and characteristics of the subject area, as well as its position in society

Skills

The graduate will:

• master both official Norwegian language variations (bokmål and nynorsk)
• be able to express themselves clearly and appropriately in both speech and writing in various communicative situations
• be able to explain, analyze and use central concepts, methods and theories within literature and linguistics in order to describe and assess fictional texts, factual prose and composite texts based on relevant textual, grammatical, rhetoric and literary norms and criteria
• be able to carry out an independent research project (60 credits) under supervision and in accordance with existing research-ethical norms
• be able to give advice about good and appropriate diction in various communicative situations

General qualifications

The graduate will be able to:

• analyze relevant academic, professional and research-ethical approaches
• utilize their knowledge and skills in order to meet challenges and change processes in the Norwegian and Nordic textual culture
• communicate regarding academic approaches as well as analyze and draw conclusions within their subject area, both with specialists and the general public
• contribute to new lines of thought around the textual culture

There is a variety of assessment methods including home examination, written examination, oral examination, trial lecture and master's thesis.

The master's thesis and the home examination in NO-416 or NO-417 must be written in different Norwegian language variants.

Nordic Language and Literature is per definition international, i.e. oriented to Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic language and literature. This is apparent both in our teaching and the prescribed literature.

Students may study abroad, both in the Nordic countries and in other countries with Nordic studies – see the University’s site for student exchange for more information.

The master’s programme accommodates foreign students (defined as students with a first language other than Norwegian and upper secondary education from another country than Norway). Foreign students may take any course with the code NOU, as these subjects grant exemption from writing in the two variants of Norwegian.

Students who study part-time should contact their student advisor in order to adjust their individual education schedule.

Courses taken within the Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature for Non-Norwegian students (NOU-courses) will not be approved as a part of the Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature.

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer ('laptop') for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d.