British Literature and Culture

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

None

Learning Outcomes

ENG125 gives a basic introduction to British literature and culture. After completing the course the student will:

- Understand and use critical vocabulary related to the discipline, and demonstrate both orally and in writing an understanding of the basic conceptual and theoretical methods used when reading literary texts;

- Grasp the differences between the various forms of literary work, such as drama, poetry and prose, and various genres within these forms as covered in the course;

- Show an understanding of the relationship between literary texts and the larger social, political and historical frameworks within which they are constructed and with which they interact;

- Demonstrate all of the above through clearly expressed, accurately written and appropriately structured essays;

- Respond with individuality and imagination to a range of literary works

Contact Information

studierettleiar@if.uib.no

Course offered (semester)

Spring

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 aims at giving the students increased insight into and knowledge of British literature and culture, and make them capable of expressing themselves in a clear and concise manner about literary and cultural questions, both in writing and orally.

The students will develop their critical approach to and independent evaluation of required readings. The course provides an introduction to textual analyses in the main literary genres prose, poetry, and drama. The ability to look for formal and thematic features is developed, and through analyses of a range of literary works one also gains an understanding of the most important periods and main features in British literature from the Renaissance and up until present time. The works and epochs are interpreted in relation to important features of each time periods¿ societal and political circumstances.

Learning Outcomes

ENG125 gives a basic introduction to British literature and culture. After completing the course the student will:

- Understand and use critical vocabulary related to the discipline, and demonstrate both orally and in writing an understanding of the basic conceptual and theoretical methods used when reading literary texts;

- Grasp the differences between the various forms of literary work, such as drama, poetry and prose, and various genres within these forms as covered in the course;

- Show an understanding of the relationship between literary texts and the larger social, political and historical frameworks within which they are constructed and with which they interact;

- Demonstrate all of the above through clearly expressed, accurately written and appropriately structured essays;

- Respond with individuality and imagination to a range of literary works

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

Due to overlapping courses one cannot get credit for ENG125 combined with ENG123/ENG124.

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

Attendance at the seminars is obligatory. Students must be present for least two of the three first seminars and for a total of eight seminars during the whole semester.

In relation to the seminars the students write one supervised written assignment, which must be approved before the student is allowed to take the course exam (see Assessment methods). The assignment is between 1500 and 1800 words long (about 4-5 pages), not including bibliography and attachments. The students have the right and obligation to be supervised in their written assignments. Supervision is given in connection with the seminars, and presupposes that the students attend these.

The students choose a topic to work on from a list and guidelines that are provided and must hand in drafts of the assignment at set deadlines and meet for supervision according to guidelines decided by the Institute and the course teacher. Students who do not fulfill the supervision requirements and do not get the assignment approved by the deadline are not allowed to take the exam.

Assessment methods

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

The course exam is a seven day take-home exam. The exam is between 2500 and 2800 words, and must be submitted electronically on Mi Side.

Grading Scale

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

Reading List

The course includes a selection of representative texts, authors and movements in British literature (poetry, prose and drama) from Shakespeare until the present. The texts are viewed in light of problems of basic literary theory as well as social, political and cultural perspectives, which are also covered by relevant curriculum.

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