Course content

Literary history is an area of study providing a survey of Norwegian and, to a certain extent, other Scandinavian literature, in a historical context. By reading a selection of literary texts the students will interpret these in a historical perspective and as historical phenomena. The students should also appreciate literary historical descriptions considering which view on literature and which understanding of history these rely on.

Learning outcome

The aim of the course is to provide students with a historical understanding of the development of Norwegian - and to a certain extent the Nordic literature through a selection of literary texts from the Norse to the contemporary age. It is a study of literary history which also involves skills in determining literary and historical views in accounts of literary history.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group instruction including written assignments. Tutoring and feedback. A course in Danish will be provided if the department's resources allows it. The students may not expect that the entire curriculum will be covered in the lectures. Student activity (group work, oral presentation, and participation in discussions) is central to the instruction. Collaborating in discussion groups is a helpful supplement to the instruction and the individual studies, and the students are therefore encouraged to participate in the discussion groups arranged by the department (the students will also have training in academic writing in these discussion groups), and to form their own groups. Final assessment: written 6 hour exam. Course requirements: One approved written assignment. The assignment should have the extent of up to 5 pages. There will be an oral/written assessment (approved/ not approved)of the assignment. The students must write one of the assignments in the literature courses on the basic level (i.e. NORD1104 and NORD1108) in "bokmål" and one in "nynorsk". The students must write two of the four written exams on the basic level (NORD1102, NORD 1104, NORD1106 and NORD1108) in "nynorsk" and two in "bokmål".

Compulsory assignments

• Approved written and/or oral assignment(s) and/or test(s).

Recommended previous knowledge

EXFAC0003.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The reading list will be available first day of class. The students will read an introductory work that presents literary epochs and authorships. They should also get aquainted with various principles and theories concering the writing of literary history. This will be obtained by reading articles on literary historiography. The collection of literary works is representative for Norwegian literature from the different epochs, and from different genres and styles. The students will also read a selection of factual prose and essays, and a selection of Danish literature.

Credit reductions