course-details-portlet

NORD1104

Theory, Genre and Analysis

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 15
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

The aim of this course is to provide students with practical experience in using theoretical-methodological subjects in analysing single texts. Furthermore, students should be able to discuss different types of texts. Students should also learn to reflect on the premises for and meaning of the analytical work. In addition, students will be given insight into how changing methods and interests can influence the appreciation of literature.

Learning outcome

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

Knowledge

  • a basic understanding of scientific work with literary texts in Norwegian and in Swedish
  • insight into the ways through which methods and interests may affect the understanding of literature

Skills

  • the ability to make use of theoretical-methodological concepts and approaches to different genres and periods
  • the ability to reflect on the function of literature in society
  • the ability to analyse texts and give an account of different types of texts and literary techniques
  • the ability to reflect on the terms and purpose of the analytical work
  • the ability to present and discuss scholarly literary issues both orally and in writing
  • be in control of accurate phrasing and bibliographical standards
  • demonstrate accurate fluency

Learning methods and activities

Teaching: Lectures and group work. Tutorials and feedback will be given during the semester. All the required reading will not be covered during the lectures, and students must work individually with the required readings. Student activities (group work, oral presentations, and participation in discussions) are central to the course. Working together in study groups is a good supplement to both teaching and study, and the students are encouraged to participate in study groups arranged by the department (here, training in academic writing and writing practice will be discussed, as well as discussions of the theoretical concepts), and to form their own study groups.

Obligatory assignments: Up to 2 approved written assignments as determined by the lecturers of the course. Approved obligatory assignments are valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).

Language requirements: Exam and obligatory written assignment(s) must be written in "nynorsk".

Compulsory assignments

  • Up to 2 approved written assignments

Further on evaluation

Assessment: Home exam, 14 days, approx. 6000 words.

Course materials

The reading list will be available on the first day of class. The reading list consists of texts on general literary theory, and the three main genres in fiction. The fictional texts shall present a representative picture of the different genres, and different epochs should also be represented within every genre-category. The students should also read a selection of factual prose and essays. The primary literature should be made up of a representative selection of the different genres. The various epochs should also be represented from each genre. A reading list with suggestions will be available on the first day of class.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
HFNORD122 15 sp
HFNORD102 15 sp
NORX1104 15 sp Autumn 2013
NORD6104 7.5 sp Spring 2016
NORD6010 7.5 sp Autumn 2016
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Scandinavian Literature
  • Scandinavian Language and Literature

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Language and Literature

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Date Release 2025-10-03
Submission 2025-10-17
Time Release 09:00
Submission 12:00
Duration 14 days Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 14 days Exam system Inspera Assessment