Course content

The course is an introduction to English-language literature with an emphasis on individual literary texts and the genre to which that text belongs. The course focuses both on the text's unique characteristics as well as its inherent features and limitations. At the same time, students will acquire basic skills in practical analysis and interpretation of literary texts.

The course will attempt to place the individual texts in an historical and cultural context - including social issues contemporary to the text as well as the author's life and experience - in order to help students learn to understand, interpret, and analyze the texts. The primary focus, however, will be on the literary texts and selected genres within prose, drama, and poetry.

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course:

Knowledge

• can discuss a selection of works within English-language literature:
• can discuss different types of English-language literature;
• are familiar with and able to use English-language terminology connected to textual analysis;

Skills

• can explain how different types of literary texts convey story and ideas or beliefs;
• can use literary methods of reading texts critically and independently.

General competence

• can write a text which analyzes literary works in correct English.

Learning methods and activities

The course offers online teaching in a 13-week period. The course has online teaching units, which cover the various topics introduced in the course and utilizes blog, discussion forum, written and/or oral exercises, and supervision. Videoconference tools will be utilized for oral presentations, group meetings, and potentially also online supervision.

The course has 4 obligatory assignments, that can be oral and/or written. The obligatory assignments cover various aspects of the course, and students are given feedback on these and offered supervision.

Other

This is a fully online course. Information pertaining to access to the course is sent to the email address registered for the student. All communication throughout the run of the course will take place on the course site and learning platform, and NTNU's student email.

Students are required to follow all communication channels used by the course.

Students need access to an updated computer and a good internet connection. Students need access to the necessary equipment for online meetings and to record sound and video in an audiovisual presentation.

Compulsory assignments

• 2 to 4 assignments

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Good language skills in English (reading, writing and oral language skills).

Required previous knowledge

Students should have knowledge of English equivalent to that of students who have learned English over two years at Norwegian "videregående skole".

Admission to a study program is required: KOMPiS Take Credit 1 (KTC1)

Credit reductions