Literature in Context (MLI365)
This Course, Literature in Context, is driven by the idea that our understanding of literary texts can be greatly enhanced by an appreciation of the context within which these texts were produced and read. Texts will be chosen with the express intention of exploring the historical, bibliographical, cultural, and philosophical period within which they are situated. While close reading is at the heart of any literary analysis, the emphasis in this course is moving from the text into the world.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MLI365
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The students will gain knowledge of
- the complex and varied relationships between a text and its contexts
- interpretative approaches including historical, biographical, cultural, and philosophical
- reading and writing practices conducive to developing one's critical literacy
- key theoretical concepts and critical debates in contemporary literary studies
- significant literary-critical approaches and methodologies for disciplines across the arts and humanities
Skills
By the end of the course, students will be able to
- situate texts in their contexts at an expert level
- gain theoretical and historical fluency in the contextual periods covered
- improve their ability to read texts critically and relate them to their theoretical and literary contexts
- read, understand, and be able to summarize and present secondary material
- make informed choices about literary-critical and analytical approaches that may be useful when planning a Master's thesis on a topic in literary studies
General competence
By the end of the course, the students will be able to
- understand the complex relationship between literature and society from both a historical and theoretical perspective
- explain complex ideas both orally and in writing
- create new concepts through an examination of the dialectic between the scholarly field and the text
- develop their ability to participate in academic and professional conversations
- gain essential competences for professional life, including critical thinking, problem solving, creative innovation, and global cultural awareness
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Home exam | 1/1 | 7 Days | Letter grades | All |
3500 words +/- 10%.
Coursework requirements
- 75 % attendance at seminars.
- Short weekly writing assignments. Mandatory at the level of 75%. Deadlines are set by the professors. No late assignments accepted unless by prior agreement with professors.
Students who get one or more assignment assessed as not approved at their first attempt are given one opportunity to hand in a revised assignment.
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Peter Paul FerryCourse teacher:
Sonya Louise VeckStudy Adviser:
Signe EkenbergMethod of work
Lectures and seminars.
Students are expected to:
- Participate both orally and in written assignments in class. There will be in-class assigned writing, group work, and informal presentations.
- Thoroughly read and annotate (take notes on) the required course reading material.
- Participate actively in digital teaching and learning apps used during the course.
- Regular participation online in Canvas is expected.