Course Objectives

The goal of the course is to provide the students with a broad introduction to literature and culture from the entire English-speaking world in the post-1980 period, while making them aware of literary analysis, terminology and textual criticism. The course is based on the assumption that students will find it easier to relate to questions and problem approaches from their own time, and is designed to lay a foundation and to increase understanding in preparation for later courses with more historical approaches.

Course Description

The course reflects recent changes in the field of English literature and culture. English is no longer primarily restricted to Great Britain and the United States, but has now expanded to encompass the entire world. Literature written in English now reflects global multicultural values, which challenge the old literary and cultural boundaries. The course will attempt to explore this wide spectrum by presenting a comprehensive variety of texts: novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction with the history of the English-speaking world over the last 30 years as a backdrop. The contemporary historical framework of the course will be used as a basis for contrast and comparison in later courses with more historical perspectives.

Learning Methods

The instruction is organized into lectures and seminars. Lectures will provide background for the course areas that will be discussed, and will also be used to review the course literature. Seminars will be used to review and discuss the course texts; great emphasis will be placed on active participation by the students, especially with a view to promoting oral competence in the subject.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment (mid-term examination) comprises a written or oral examination and / or submissions and will count for 40% of the final grade. The final written examination counts for 60% of the final grade. Students must receive passing marks in both the mid-term and final examinations. Grades will be given on a scale from A to F, where E is the lowest passing grade and F represents a failing grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean