English is the most widely-used language in the world today. Not only is it the first language of people in Britain, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, it is also used as a lingua franca by millions of non-native speakers. The one-year foundation programme in English at Hedmark University College comprises the study of the English language, and of the culture and literature of English-speaking countries. It also includes a course in teaching methods for teacher trainees.

English is a compulsory subject in primary and secondary school in Norway. The demands on English teachers are considerable, as pupils are also exposed to the language through the popular media. The English teacher therefore needs to be a good language model and a guide to English-speaking societies and cultures.

A good knowledge of English language and culture is also in high demand in other areas of society, such as tourism, import and export trade, media and communications.

On completion of the foundation programme, the students shall

· have further developed their practical English language skills and their knowledge about the language itself and how it is used

· have gained knowledge about cultures where English is the main language, and understand how English opens opportunities to develop communication between people, and create understanding and respect for other cultures

· have further developed their sociolinguistic and other communicative skills

· be able to discuss literature and cultural themes from the English-speaking world

· have the knowledge, skills and attitudes which are needed for teaching English, and which will also form the basis for their continued development as teachers

· be able to use information and communication technology (ICT) to access and use online resources and present and share information digitally

The foundation programme is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to English as a third-level subject to students in their third or fourth year of teacher education, to students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, and to students who wish to study a single subject at this level. The college also offers a more advanced 30-credit English intermediate programme (påbyggings-studium) and a Master’s degree in Teaching Language and Culture, in which students can specialize in English.

The foundation programme is a 60 credit study programme with a full-time workload over one academic year at 1000 level (Bachelor level).

When taken as part of a teacher training programme (allmennlærerutdanning), or a Bachelor of Arts programme with practical pedagogical education (PPU), the foundation programme in English gives formal teaching qualifications for Norwegian primary and secondary schools.

The programme is a foundation for further English study programmes, such as the advanced 30 credit programme in English (påbyggingsstudium). When combined with a minimum of 20 of these credits, the programme can also give admission to Master’s programmes with a specialization in English.

ENG 101 English Grammar I

ENG 102 English Phonetics

ENG 103 Literature I

ENG 104 British and American Civilization

ENG 105 Teaching Methods

ENG 106 English Grammar II

ENG 107 Literature II

The individual courses are described in greater detail below.

Three of the courses are taught in the autumn semester, and four in the spring semester, as shown in the Course structure diagram (below). Students do not choose courses in the autumn semester. This allows them to become familiar with the various disciplines before choosing courses for the spring semester.

Course structure diagram with credits

60 credits 60 credits

An introductory course in ICT and the digital learning platform Fronter, organized by the library, is an obligatory part of the English foundation programme. In addition, computer assisted communication and presentation techniques will be employed by teachers and students alike.

A study trip to England is an integrated part of the foundation programme. The trip includes excursions and lectures on historical, social and political topics. Students who are unable to take part in the trip for some reason must submit a project paper on a prescribed topic by the end of the study trip. Either participation in the study trip or a pass grade on a project paper is a prerequistite for ENG104 British and American Civilization. An exception is made for those students who take the English Foundation course in their third year of allmennlærerutdanning. They need to have five weeks of teaching practice, two of which have to be carried out during the time of the study trip.

Hedmark University College has exchange agreements with other colleges abroad, for example Concordia College, Minnesota, USA. A one or two semester course of studies at one of these colleges can replace a corresponding period of studies at Hedmark University College. (For more information, please consult the college web pages and the International Coordinator.)

The teaching takes the form of interactive lectures intended to provide a knowledge base for the programme, and group seminars intended to develop student involvement and encourage group discussion. The seminars provide an opportunity for students to discuss, argue, reflect and debate freely and openly in an informed manner. Students are expected to contribute both oral and written work, as well as participate in peer teaching and presentation. ICT and digital aids form an integrated part of the teaching and learning. (For details, see the description under each individual course below.)

Assessment takes the form of oral and/or written examinations and/or portfolio assignments (see the description for each individual course below). All required exams must be passed for the programme as a whole to be considered as passed.

The course descriptions list requirements that have to be fulfilled in order for students to be eligible to sit for the exams.