Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in English (2019–2022)

Knowledge

On completion of the programme, the candidate has

• broad knowledge of the structure of English and its various forms of expression
• broad knowledge of literary and linguistic methods of analysis
• knowledge of English grammar and phonetics
• knowledge of the literary syllabus and an overview of literary epochs
• knowledge of American and British culture
• in-depth knowledge of, and engagement in, up-to-date research in at least one special field in literature and one in linguistics

Skills
On completion of the programme, the candidate can

• apply analytical methods and concepts to British and American literature/culture and linguistics
• reflect on specific topics in British and American literature/culture and linguistics
• retrieve and assess relevant information and acquire further knowledge independently

General competence
On completion of the programme, the candidate can

• communicate accurately and fluently in spoken and written English
• apply knowledge and skills in education and dissemination of information
• use knowledge and skills in further studies in English

The student is also expected to have knowledge, skills and general competence in accordance with the chosen minor subject.

The programme aims to provide a broad knowledge of English language, literature and culture in the first year with a survey of American and British literature and culture both before and after 1900 and courses on English grammar, phonetics, phonology and academic writing in English. The third year offers more specialized courses in literature and language. The major consists of 90 ECTS credits in English, that is English language (30 credits on level 100 and a 10-credit specialization course on level 200) and British and American culture/literature (30 credits on level 100 and a 10-credit specialization course on level 200). The bachelor’s thesis constitutes the final 10 credits in the English major.

The programme is multi-disciplinary. In addition to the compulsory major in English, there is a 60 ECTS credits elective minor component (see the programme structure diagram). To enhance language proficiency and ensure cultural competence, students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters abroad, or study courses at the University (UiA) given in English. Students who plan to continue on to the English Master’s Programme and who aim to be teachers, are recommended to choose a national curriculum subject of 60 ECTS credits as the minor.

English is an international subject, and international and intercultural topics are addressed in the programme. Students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters at a university in English speaking countries with which the University of Agder has an exchange agreement. The study abroad period may take place in the 3rd and/or 4th term(s). If another semester is preferred, you may contact the department. See the programme structure diagram (model A) for details. For general information about student exchange contact the International Department's web site. All courses taken as part of a study abroad must be approved by the programme coordinator.

In addition, the faculty has a longstanding agreement with the Norwegian Study Centre in York, England. An optional stay in York is typically included in the programme in the autumn. Further information will be given during the autumn semester.

Students (including incoming degree students) can study the entire programme in English. See the programme structure diagram (model B) for details.

The students must have completed at least 40 ECTS credits before they can start on the study-abroad year.

Students must have successfully completed courses in English representing 45 ECTS credits to be allowed to proceed with supplementary courses (200-level). Prerequisites: minimum 15 credits for courses in language/linguistics, minimum 15 credits for courses in literature/culture. Before they can start on the Bachelor's Thesis, students must in addition have passed 70 ECTS credits in English, of which 10 ECTS credits must be in English at advanced level (200-level).