course-details-portlet

LITT3001 - Research Methods in Literature Studies

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Home examination 100/100 5 days

Course content

This course will provide insight into central methodological issues within the field of literature studies. A primary goal is to give students an understanding of the diversity of methods that characterizes literary criticism. The course aims to train students in developing research questions and to assess the applicability and relevance of different research methods, thus providing them with the foundation for developing individual master's projects. The course will provide students with understanding of the connections between critical perspectives and methodological approaches.

Among others, the course will discuss the following topics:

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature and society, literature and history, author and text, and questions related to the literary canon

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature and form, genre and thematics

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature, reading and reception

- The use of physical and digital archives

- Methods for researching literature and education

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course

Knowledge:

  • have the knowledge to evaluate the applicability and relevance of different research methods in the research of others as well as in their own

Skills

  • can develop research questions in literature studies and at the same time describe what methods may be applicable to examine various problems
  • can discuss how different approaches to literature may result in different interpretations of the same text
  • are able to apply terms in, and knowledge of, literature studies in practical work with literature
  • are able to find and evaluate literary criticism

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/seminars. The course is taught in English or Norwegian. Students are expected to participate actively in the lectures/seminars for example by presentations, comments and other contributions. Students are required to use the course learning platform regularly.

Obligatory assignment: A written assignment in groups where students discuss different methodological choices in working with a literary text. An approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).

Compulsory assignments

  • 1 written assignment (in groups)

Further on evaluation

The course is assessed by a written home examination (approx. 4000 words, 5 days). The exam must be answered in Norwegian or English.

Required previous knowledge

At least 7.5 credits (studiepoeng) of courses in literature at ENG2000-, FRA2000-, NORD2000-, or TYSK2000-level.

Course materials

A pensum consisting of 700-800 pages of articles/chapter excerpts focused on research methods, plus a limited selection of short literary texts. Curriculum/reading list will be made available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
LITT3000 7.5 AUTUMN 2017
More on the course

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2023

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • English
  • English Literature
  • French
  • French Literature
  • Comparative Literature
  • Scandinavian Language and Literature
  • Scandinavian Literature
  • German
  • German Literature
Contact information

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Language and Literature

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Home examination 100/100

Release
2023-11-30

Submission
2023-12-05


09:00


12:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Home examination 100/100

Release
2024-03-04

Submission
2024-03-08


09:00


12:00

INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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