American Literature and Culture

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

None.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the student will:

- have a basic understanding of American literature and culture in a historical context

- have a more in-depth understanding of the different texts, from the 17th century to the present, both in relation to ideas dominating their own period, as well as to more continuous perceptions of the US as a nation and culture.

- have an understanding of what characterizes the different literary genres included in the study, such as the novel, short-story, drama, poetry, as well as non-fictional texts.

- be able to understand and discuss texts from a literary- and cultural-theoretical perspective

- be able to express him/herself academically in written and spoken English

Contact Information

studierettleiar@if.uib.no

Course offered (semester)

Fall

Language of Instruction

English

Course Unit Level

Bachelor

Access to the Course Unit

The course is open to all with admission to the University of Bergen.

Aim and Content

The course gives a general historical introduction to American literature, culture and social development. The course aims at providing increased knowledge about the diversity of American culture from a historical perspective, and an understanding of the foundational premises for the development of literature and society. The course also helps develop the students¿ ability to express themselves in written and oral English.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the student will:

- have a basic understanding of American literature and culture in a historical context

- have a more in-depth understanding of the different texts, from the 17th century to the present, both in relation to ideas dominating their own period, as well as to more continuous perceptions of the US as a nation and culture.

- have an understanding of what characterizes the different literary genres included in the study, such as the novel, short-story, drama, poetry, as well as non-fictional texts.

- be able to understand and discuss texts from a literary- and cultural-theoretical perspective

- be able to express him/herself academically in written and spoken English

Pre-requirements

None.

Recommended previous knowledge

It is strongly advised that students, in addition to fulfilling the general admission requirements, also have good grades in specialized English courses from Upper Secondary School.

For students with a background other than the Norwegian school system, a level of competence in English corresponding to B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended.

Subject Overlap

One cannot get credits for both ENG122 and ENG122L.

Teaching Methods

Type

h/week

weeks

total

days

compulsory

Lecture

2 x 2 h

12

48

Seminar

1 x 2 h

12

24

72

Compulsory Requirements

In connection with the seminars, the students shall write two supervised written papers, and both must be approved for the student to be allowed to sit for the course exam (see Assessment methods). Each paper is between 1200 and 1500 words long (about 3-4 pages), not including bibliography and attachments.

The students have the right and obligation to supervision of their written assignments. Supervision is offered in connection with the seminars, and presupposes that the students attend these. The students choose their paper topics from a list and guidelines provided by the instructor. They must hand in drafts of the assignments by the deadline, as well as meet for tutorials according to guidelines decided by the Institute and the course instructor. Students who do not fulfill the supervision requirements and/or do not get their assignment approved by the set deadline are not allowed to take the exam.

Assessment methods

Exams are offered each semester: one at the end of the fall semester and one in the middle of the spring semester.

The exam consists of two parts: one written school exam in the middle of the semester and one take-home exam at the end of the semester. Each part counts 50%. The student must pass both parts in order to receive a passing grade for the course. Both parts must be passed in the same semester.

The school exam is a two-hour exam in the middle of the semester where the students are tested in the curriculum related to the first half of the course. The date of the exam is announced at the beginning of the semester. No aids are permitted during the exam.

At the end of the semester a seven-day take-home exam is given. The exam should be between 2200 and 2500 words long, not including bibliography and attachments.

In order to take the take-home exam, the students must have passed the school exam and received approval for the written paper, including having met the instructor for tutorial (see Compulsory Requirements).

In the spring semester the exam is a five hour school exam. To be allowed to sit for the exam the students must have had their written assignments approved and have fulfilled the requirements of supervision (see Compulsory Requirements).

Grading Scale

The grading scale is A-F, where F is a fail.

Reading List

The curriculum includes literary and historical periods, historical events, and representative fictional and non-fictional texts from the seventeenth century until present time.

Place of Teaching

Bergen

Course Unit Evaluation

The teaching is evaluated according to the quality assurance system of the University of Bergen.

Contact Information

studierettleiar@if.uib.no