Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

 Norwegian

Recommended previous knowledge

NO-145 Norwegian Linguistic Structure and Language Use

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students should
- be able to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge regarding how language and text vary in different times, places and social settings.
- be able to show insight into central features of Norwegian and other Scandinavian oral and written languages.
- have acquired knowledge about unique features of the Norwegian language community as well as insight into and understanding of the linguistic climate found in the Scandinavian countries.
- additionally, be able to describe ancient linguistic developments made in Norwegian, especially Old Norse, and be able to compare them with modern linguistic developments.
- also be able to impart their knowledge to others in both written and oral form.

Contents

The course focuses on how language and text vary in different times, places and social settings. Using historical, geographical and social perspectives, students will study selections of Norwegian oral and written language. These are compared with languages found in the other Scandinavian countries in addition to discussing differences in the linguistic climate found in Scandinavia. Emphasis will also be placed on being able to describe ancient linguistic developments, first and foremost those of Old Norse, which will be compared with the modern Norwegian language system.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars and group work. Practice is included for teacherstudents. The workload is estimated to about 400 hours.

Examination requirements

For teacherstudents: Practice must be assessed as 'Passed'.

For other students: Passed an individual written assignment.

The written assignment is not compulsory for teacherstudents, but those who wish may hand in the assignment and get feedback for it like the other students.

Examinations

Individual 6-hour written examination. Graded assessment.

Requirements regarding language must be fulfilled in accordance with study programme description for Nordic Language and Literature, Bachelor programme and Nordic Languages and Literature, One-Year Study Programme: Of the two written examinations during autumn semester (in NO-143 and NO-145), one is to be written in Standard Norwegian and one in New Norwegian, and of the two written examinations during spring semester (in NO-144 and NO-146), one is to be written in Standard Norwegian and one in New Norwegian. These requirements apply also for teacherstudents.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, subject to capacity.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
NOU146 – Language and Society - for exchange students. 15
NO-1150 – Nordic Language. 15
NO-1150 – Nordic Language. 15
NO-103 – The Norwegian Language in Variation and Development. 10
NO-168 – Norwegian Language History. 10
NOU168 – The History of the Norwegian Language - for Interantional Students. 10
NO-107 – Phonology and Morphology. 5
NO-130 – Historical Text Course. 5
NO-167 – Diversity and Variation in the Norwegian and Nordic Languages. 5
NOU167 – Diversity and Variation in the Norwegian and Nordic Languages - for International Students. 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 6:42:01 AM