autumn 2017 ENG-1120 Introduction to American Studies - 10 ECTS
Course content
The course provides an introduction to American literature and culture. It represents a historical, highly selective survey course of American literature from colonial times to the present, with primary emphasis on texts from the Romantic Age to the present. Texts from the various periods are analyzed closely and discussed in their socio-cultural contexts. The course thus attempts to integrate the study of literature and culture. The major genres of literature are represented in the course, and it provides students with the basic methods and tools of textual analysis, designed to make them more proficient in close reading.Objectives of the course
The students have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
the student has:
- of the history of American literature and culture
- of different literary genres of American writing
- of methods and concepts for the study of literary and cultural texts
- of a variety of samples of fiction, poetry, and drama
Skills:
The student is able to/can:
- strengthen your ability to explain your ideas in a succinct, coherent manner and support them with close reading of texts
- acquisition of advanced skills for the close reading of texts
Teaching methods
4 hours of teaching for 13 weeks.
Quality assurance: All courses undergo a halfway evaluation once in a 3-year period at the bachelor's level. The Programme Board determines which programme options will be evaluated per year, and which courses will be evaluated by the students and the teacher per year.
Assessment
The following coursework requirements must be completed and approved in order to take the final exam:
Coursework reuirements: Assessment of one essay (1200-1500 words) that focuses one or more of the texts on the reading list. In addition, attendance is required at 80% of the group discussion sessions scheduled for one class on most weeks (after the course registration closes). For distance students one additional written assignment replaces the 80% attendance requirement. Coursework requirements are evaluated with approved/not approved.
The exam will consist of:
Assessment method: A 6-hour written school exam in Wiseflow. Performance in the course will be assessed on an A-F grades scale. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed. A re-sit examination is offered in the event of an F grade.
The deadline to register for a re-sit examination is January 15th for the autumn semester and August 15th for the spring semester.
Recommended reading/syllabus
Selections from The Shorter Norton Anthology of American Literature, 8th Edition (Volumes 1 and 2)
Arthur Miller, Death of A Salesman (in Norton)
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Toni Morrison, Home
Neil Campbell and Alasdair Kean, American Cultural Studies: An Introduction to American Culture (specific chapters TBA).
Error rendering component
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 10
- Course code: ENG-1120
- Responsible unit
- Department of Language and Culture