Course content

The academic content of the course, i.e. topic and theory will vary from one academic year to another. The course is an advanced course in selected themes within contemporary literature, primarily European, from the Romantic period to the present.

The course may focus on a specific period, trend or genre (the poetics of symbolism, the naturalistic novel, the breakthrough of modern drama, the literature of the absurd, the modernist poetry of 1900-era etc.) or be thematically defined.

They may also focus on literature in a setting of social studies, the history of ideas, and inter aesthetic matters (for example Impressionist art and literature, modernism in theatre, music, art, and literature), or adaptations between literature and other media.

Learning outcome

Candidates will have obtained the following qualifications after successfully completing this course:

- in-depth knowledge on a specialised topic from 1800-2000

- the ability to reflect on literature in a larger aesthetic, historical, social and cultural context

- the ability to critically and independently present and communicate the academic content of the course both orally and in writing

- the ability to phrase a problem based on a given assignment, and produce an academic text

Learning methods and activities

Seminars. Active student participation is expected. Course requirements: Approved seminar presentation (approx. 15 minutes) or written assignment (approx. 4-5 pages). Only students admitted to the bachelor's programme in Scandinavian Studies and Comparative Literature in the autumn semester of 2014 may choose to write the bachelor's thesis. Assessment: Either: Two-week take home exam, approx. 12-15 pages. Or: Bachelor's thesis, approx. 12-15 pages. Topic for the bachelor's thesis should be chosen in consultation with lecturer.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved class presentation or written assignment

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic courses in Comparative literature, Scandinavian literature or other relevant coursework equivalent to 60 credits.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

A reading list will be available first day of class. The reading list should include at least 2 literary texts from Scandinavia.

Credit reductions