Course content

The course offers an introduction to the modern literary canon, from early nineteenth century Romanticism and realism, to twentieth-century modernism. The students learn fundamental analytical approaches to texts and genres, and they get insights into how social, cultural and aesthetic contexts have shaped modern literature into our present time. The course is organized in two modules: In the novel course, we read canonized works by Flaubert, Woolf, Kafka and others. In the poetry course, we read poems by Wordsworth, Baudelaire, Dickinson, and many more.

Learning outcome

The candidate will after successfully completing this course have KNOWLEDGE about:

- the outlines of Western literature from 1800 to the present. - key literary works from romanticism to the present.

- and possess general knowledge of the modern understanding of genres.

The candidate will after successfully completing this course be SKILLED in:

- presenting and discussing her/his acquired knowledge in writing

- employing comparative literary analytical tools.

The candidate’s GENERAL COMPETENCY includes:

- an understanding literature in an extensive aesthetic, historical and cultural connection

- a basic understanding of the function of the main literary genres.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group sessions including written assignments. 1-2 compulsory activities, including one approved written assignment (4-5 pages) with feedback.

Compulsory assignments

• 1-2 obligatory activities

Recommended previous knowledge

ALIT1111 and ALIT1112

Course materials

A reading list will be available first day of class. Students that use the standard list do not have to hand in a reading list to the department. Students that want to use an alternative curriculum must apply for this by handing in an alternative reading list to the department for approval. Deadline is 10th October in the autumn semester and 10th March in the spring semester.

Credit reductions