Learning outcome

Students should have a basic understanding and knowledge of the changes and dynamics of the English-speaking world over the last thirty years, and have basic factual knowledge of its significant events and trends, particularly within literature and culture, but also within politics and society. Students will be able to discuss and analyze literary texts critically, using the appropriate terminology.

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, together 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.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching is organised as lectures and seminars, with altogether four hours per week. The lectures will provide background to the subject areas in question, but will also be used for analysis of pensum texts. The seminars will be used for discussions of pensum texts, and will focus on active participation from the students, with a particular emphasis on improving the students’ oral competence. An attendance rate of at least 75 per cent is required for the seminars.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment (mid-term examination) is a written or oral examination that counts for 40% of the final grade. The final written examination counts for 60% of the final grade. Students must meet the attendance reqirement of 75 per cent in order to be able to sit for the final exam. In order to pass the course the students must receive passing grades in both the mid-term and final examinations. Grades will be awarded 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