Studies in Icelandic as a second language are an excellent choice for students who want to improve their practical and/or academic skills in Icelandic. Two separate programmes are offered: the BA programme, which comprises both practical courses in Icelandic and the academic study of Icelandic language, literature and history, and the Practical Diploma programme, which is primarily directed at people whose main goal is to improve their language skills as a preparation for further Icelandic studies or to develop their career choices in Icelandic society. Additionally, the department offers Basic Icelandic I and II and the introductory course Icelandic Culture. Both these courses are specifically designed for exchange students and students from other departments within the University of Iceland. Applications are only accepted once a year, for the fall semester. Many of our graduates have continued their studies in Icelandic and other related subjects in Iceland or elsewhere. Students who graduate with a BA degree in Icelandic as a second language should have acquired the basic knowledge and the theoretical skills to continue academic studies in Icelandic. They should have also developed their critical thinking and improved their general ability to work independently, within as well as outside of academia. A sound academic knowledge of Icelandic is an optimal base for further study and research in various areas of linguistics and literature. A considerable part of our students are people who have made their home here and enrich Icelandic society in various ways. Improved linguistic skills and cultural literacy increase people´s opportunities to integrate and attain their goals in Icelandic society. Programmes BA programme This programme is designed for students who have an academic interest in Icelandic language, literature and culture. The emphasis is both on practical language courses, where students develop their capacity to speak, understand and write Icelandic, and on the academic study of Icelandic linguistics, literature and history. Core courses are devoted to the study of inflection, syntax and phonetics in Icelandic as well as to Icelandic medieval literature, folk-tales, history and contemporary literature. Optional courses in translation studies and second language studies are also offered. Aim The aim of the BA programme is to provide students with solid language skills in Icelandic, both written and spoken, as well as a sound general knowledge of the main characteristics of Icelandic language, literature, culture and society. Structure It is possible to take the BA programme as a major for two or three years (earning 120 or 180 credits) or a minor for one year (earning 60 credits). Teaching consists of lectures, seminar sessions and works in smaller groups. Classes take place once or twice each week, and in addition students are expected to devote considerable time to homework, which requires discipline and independent study habits. Course assessment is based on a variety of elements depending on the course in question, and may consist of: Written and oral exams, course essays, individual assignments and performance in class. Applications and entrance requirements Course Catalogue for further information Practical diploma The programme is designed to provide regular students and exchange students with general language proficiency in Icelandic. It is an excellent choice for people who want to improve their language skills as a preparation for further studies in Icelandic as a second language or to develop their career options in Icelandic society. Credits from this programme do neither count towards the BA programme in Icelandic as a second language, nor towards any other University degree programme. Aims The aim of the programme is to provide students with basic language skills in Icelandic. The focus is on speaking, writing and understanding modern Icelandic. Structure This is a one-year programme (60 credits), ending with a diploma. The teaching consists of lectures, seminar sessions and works in smaller groups. Assignments are also an important part of the course work in the majority of courses. Classes take place once or twice each week, and in addition, students are expected to devote considerable time to homework, which requires discipline and independent study habits. Course assessment is based on a variety of elements depending on the course in question, and may consist of: written and oral exams, course essays, individual assignments and performance in class. A full-time program consists of two mornings or two afternoons per week, on Mondays and Wednesday/Thursdays. Students will have the chance to choose a group in late August. Online teaching will also be offered, four mornings per week, from 8:20 to 9:50, Monday to Thursday or in the afternoon, four days per week, from 16:40 to 18:10. Online students have the option of attending three on-site sessions (in both semesters): at the beginning of the semester (as introductory session), around mid-terms and around the final exam period. These on-site sessions are offered at the University of Iceland as well as the University of Akureyri (UnAk) and the University Centre of the Westfjords (UW). It is mandatory for all students of the Practical Diploma (online students included) to take partial and final exams at the University of Iceland or, alternatively, at UnAk, UW, other universities or official institutions which can supervise university exams. Applications and entrance requirements Course Catalogue for further information Individual courses The following courses are open to exchange students and other students at the University of Iceland who are not registered as students in Icelandic as a second language. Credits from these courses cannot be used towards a degree in the two programmes of Icelandic as a second language (neither the BA programme nor Practical Icelandic). Students can sign up for these courses with Student Registration or on Ugla, the university intra-website. Basic Icelandic Basic Icelandic I and II are practical 10-credit courses which are designed for beginners in Icelandic, and are offered in the Fall and Spring semester. The focus is on basic elements of language proficiency and grammar, but students are also provided with a general overview of Icelandic culture and society. The aim is to provide students with the capacity to conduct a simple conversation in Icelandic, to read and understand simple texts in Icelandic, and to write basic sentences. The teaching consists of a combination of working sessions with the teacher and independent study. Students are required to be active participants in the course. Icelandic culture The course, which is taught in English, gives an overview of Icelandic culture from the Settlement to modern times with emphasis on contemporary culture and art. It covers the settler society, the literary culture, the rapid shift from rural to urban culture, music, visual arts, films, theatre, architecture and environmental issues. Students read a varied selection of literary texts. Teaching will be in form of lectures, discussions, shows and museum visits. Entrance and applications Entrance requirements Application deadlines Tuition and grants Introductory session For students Course Catalogue Academic Calendar Timetables facebooklinkedintwitter
