Course content

The course offers an introduction to drama, poetics and literary theory within the modern literary canon. 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 has two modules. In the drama course, we read works by Ibsen, Chekhov, Beckett, and others. The poetics and literary theory course introduces the main schools within modern literary theory, and we study how thinkers such as Shklovsky, Foucault and Freud have theorized about the potential of literature to articulate human experiences.

Learning outcome

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

- the outlines of Western literary theory from Romanticism until today

- of essential dramatic works since Romanticism

- key concepts of literary theory

- different schools of literary theory

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

- employ her/his acquired knowledge in literary analysis

- presenting his/her knowledge of theory in writing.

The candidate’s GENERAL COMPETENCY includes:

- an understanding om the modern drama in its historical and cultural connection

- a basic understanding of the function of literary theory.

Learning methods and activities

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

Compulsory assignments

• 1-2 obligatory activities

Recommended previous knowledge

ALIT1111 og 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