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

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.

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 typed on a word processor to facilitate the revision process. We would also like to emphasize that students should memorize the vocabulary and phrases listed at the beginning of each chapter section.

After completing the yellow workbook sheets, students need to check out the answer key from the Norwegian Department Office, the Language Lab, or the Library. They should make any necessary corrections in a different color pen, and sign and date the homework at the top of the first page. These workbook pages should be kept in order in the course notebook since the teachers will check off the completed homework during the class period.

The other parts of the homework assignments will be corrected after each class period by the teacher or the Norwegian assistants. Each homework assignment is worth four points. In order to receive credit, the assignment must be complete and handed in at the beginning of class on the day it is due. We accept no late assignments.

Tests and Exams

There will be five chapter tests during the semester, after chapters 8, 9, 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 10 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