ENG201 English-speaking literature with history and culture 1

Contents and structure

English-speaking literature with history and culture 1 introduces students to a range of primarily British and American literary texts and other cultural products from the late 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries in their historical contexts. Students learn how to analyse and approach this material critically, and how to present and discuss it, both orally and in writing.

The study includes a one-week stay at the Norwegian Study Centre, the University of York. The stay is not mandatory, and there will be alternative learning activities for those who are not going to York. Travel expenses, accommodation and course fees are paid by the students. Read more here: https://www.york.ac.uk/nsc/short-courses/.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of English-speaking literature and other cultural expressions from the late 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, mostly from Britain and the USA, with their historical and societal contexts of production and publication, plus their reception up to this day
• has knowledge of literary genres and their features
• has knowledge of literary devices and visual and multimodal expressions of meaning and forms
• has knowledge of norms for oral presentation and discussion, and responsible and critical use of source material

Skills

The student

• is able to identify various literary devices in the texts and analyse English-speaking literature and other cultural expressions
• is able to approach English-speaking literature critically
• is able to place and discuss various literary texts in their contexts
• is able to use English orally and in writing according to topic, context and recipient

General competence

The student

• has the ability to plan and carry out individual assignments in accordance with ethical requirements and principles, and articulate ideas and standpoints both orally and in writing.
• has the ability to communicate orally and written in English according to context and recipient

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Teaching will consist of lectures, seminars, group work and individual work. The course requires systematic work with reading, tasks and active participation in class. English is both the target language and the language of instruction, and all learning activities are in English. This offers invaluable language practice, and through active involvement in learning activities students will apply both language skills and knowledge of course content. The learning platform Canvas will be used to relay information, communicate with students and provide feedback on student work.

Compulsory learning activities

• One individual written assignment
• One individual oral assignment

Specific guidelines for the compulsory learning activities will be given in the semester plan. Students are required to comply with requirements and deadlines.

Compulsory learning activities must be approved in order for the student to be allowed to sit the exam. If the compulsory learning activities are not approved, students will have one additional attempt, but a maximum of two attempts per compulsory learning activity per semester.

Approved compulsory learning activities are valid three semesters following the approval.

Assessment

Individual oral exam, 30 minutes.

The exam is graded A-F. F is a failing grade.

Examination support material

None

More about examination support material