Course Description

Welcome to Norwegian 112! Norwegian 112 is the second part of the introductory Norwegian sequence and emphasizes three main areas: 1) learning basic Norwegian vocabulary, structures and functions; 2) using the four skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening; and 3) exploring Norwegian and American cultures as well as culture in general. Our approach to language teaching is characterized by an emphasis on proficiency, thematic learning, and integration of language and culture topics. Together, we will try to make the classroom as rich a learning environment as possible by using a variety of authentic spoken, written, and visual materials. We will, for example, be searching the Internet for World Wide Web sites in Norwegian, making our own class web site, connecting with Norwegians and other students of Norwegian via e-mail, listening to Norwegian stories on tape, watching Norwegian videos, and reading Norwegian newspapers and magazines.

Students are expected to be active participants in the learning process and to take responsibility for their own learning. In practical terms, this means preparing for and participating actively in class, but also helping to shape the course content and methods.

Course Materials

The textbook/workbook for this course will be Norsk nå by Nancy Aarsvold. It is available for purchase in the St. Olaf Bookstore. The tapes which accompany the textbook are available for your use in the Language Lab.

Attendance and Participation

Students are required to attend all class sessions and participate actively in discussions and small group work. Active participation requires that students come to class with homework completed, so they are prepared to use Norwegian in a variety of contexts.

Language Lab and Discussion Sessions

Students must attend a minimum of three half-hour periods per week in the language lab. This time is to be spent listening to the tapes which accomany the textbook or supplementary material assigned by the instructor. Language lab tapes are intended for practice, so they should be listened to more than once.

Students are also required to attend weekly discussion sessions. These sessions will be held in Old Main 15, on Monday through Thursday afternoon or evenings, and will be staffed by native Norwegian students.

Homework

Homework consists of the yellow workbook pages, web assignments, video assignments, and writing assignments. Most of these can be done in pen or pencil, but all essay assignments should be completed on a word processor to facilitate the revision process. Memorizing the vocabulary and phrases listed at the beginning of each chapter or section is also a regular part of the homework in Norwegian 112.

Tests and Exams

There will be five chapter tests during the semester, after chapters 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12. They will take approximately 50 minutes to write and will include sections for listening, reading, grammar, and writing. Students must take all tests and exams on the scheduled day. Exceptions to this policy will only be granted in cases of serious illness or emergency, and must be requested beforehand. Travel plans should be made with the course calendar in mind. Airline reservations or rides leaving do not constitute emergency.

The midterm and final are comprehensive exams, occuring after chapters 9 and 13 respectively. They will take approximately 50 minutes to write and will include sections for listening, reading, grammar, and writing.

There will be two oral tests during the semester, at midterm and during final exam week. Each student will meet with the teacher individually or in pairs for a 10-15 minute test or demonstration of their speaking skills.

Grading System

The final grade for this course is based on the following:

• 10%: Attendance and Participation (class, language lab, discussion sessions)
• 10%: Homework Assignments
• 25% Chapter Tests
• 15% Oral Tests
• 20% Midterm Exam
• 20% Final Exam