MASBA5900 Master’s Thesis Course description

• Literature studies/theory
• Lectures and supervision
• Excursions
• Workshops
• Seminars/discussions
• Cultural exchanges and real life encounters
• Reflective journal
• Individual and group papers/performances

Four of the following individual coursework requirements must be approved. The purpose of these coursework requirements is to gain experience of storytelling, to practise creating enthusiasm for theory, to gain international experience beyond the ordinary lectures and workshops, to acquire practical skills in connection with a vocation, and to get first-hand experiences of the local context of the course.

1 Favourite story presentation (2-5 minutes)

2 Theory presentation (5-10 minutes)

3 Participation in International Week (week 43) 3-4 days workshops

4 Practical work in connection with arts and craft classes, 5 days of workshops

5 Participation in excursions (stipulated appr. 10 days, only 1 day`s absence is acceptable)

Four of the following group coursework requirements must be approved:

1 Production of a drama (5 days of workshop)

2 Production of radio theatre (5 days of workshop)

3 Production of stop-motion animation (5 days of workshop)

4 Blog production (a diary that will require at least five minutes from every student every week)

5 Practical work in connection with International Week (2-6 hours of preparation)

Students who know about absence must notify the teacher. In special cases compensatory assignments can be used.

To interne sensorer. Ekstern sensor brukes jevnlig.

All aids are permitted. However, sources must be stated in accordance with the applicable rules on source references.

Grading scale, A-F.

Grading will be according to the ECTS-grading scale, with A-E as pass grades and F as fail grade. Criteria for the different grades will be presented to the students at the beginning of the course.

Final assessment is graded and by one internal and one external examiners.

The language of all teaching and supervision is English, and the students should therefore have a working knowledge of both spoken and written English.

Target group

The course is designed to offer a study programme in English for students of Early Childhood and Primary School Teacher Education, but is also relevant for students of other professions, including museum education officers, hospital workers and social workers. The period of study is 3 months. The students may decide to prolong their length of the stay from three to four months after arrival. The language of all teaching and supervision is English, and the students should therefore have a working knowledge of both spoken and written English.

Admission

Applicants are admitted as international students at the Faculty of Education and International Studies. Students from other academic areas may also be accepted. Students must have completed at least one year of their undergraduate degree studies at their home institution in order to be accepted.

The course is organised as a full-time programme of study for one semester. The students are expected to work approximately 40 hours per week. The course has the following content:

Theory

· The differences between myths, fairy tales and legends

· Structural theories, psychological theories, eclectic theories

· Myths and religions

· Psychology of importance and meaning in fairy-tales and traditional stories as cultural expressions

· The student's own academic background, cultural identity and stories

· Hero tales and contemporary mass media narratives

Applications

· Cultural exchanges

· Excursions; museums, schools, kindergartens

Stories as background for various artistic expressions

· Puppet making and performing

· Storytelling

· Stop-motion animation

· Dramatizing

· Stories and music

· Digital mediation of myths, fairy tales and legends

Didactic perspective

· The uses of fairy tales in education and therapy

· Didactic reflections on the use of myths and fairy tales

· Practical work with traditional narratives

· Visits to schools and kindergartens

· Literature studies/theory

· Lectures and supervision

· Excursions, workshops, seminars

· Cultural exchanges/discussions

· Individual and group papers/performances