spring 2020 ENG-2108 African American Literature - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester.

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 15 April for the autumn semester and 1 October for the spring semester.


Type of course

This course may be taken as a single course. A good command of oral and written English is recommended.

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).

Application code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).


Course content

The 1920s saw an unprecedented outburst of creative expression among African Americans in music, visual art, dance, literature, theater, poetry, history, and politics. Known as the New Negro Movement and later as the Harlem Renaissance, this period of incredible artistic production also marks an important effort by African Americans to define their own cultural identity. Its effects were felt around the world and have left a rich cultural legacy that continues to influence contemporary American literature.   Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this course will explore literary texts within the contexts of history, politics, autobiography, music, and the visual arts. Through our reading, our writing, and oral presentations, we will develop a deeper understanding of what the Harlem Renaissance was about in theory and practice in the first part of the twentieth century, and what it means for artists today, both in the U.S. and in Norway.

Objectives of the course

The students should achieve the following by the end of the course:

Knowledge:

The student:

  • Has a competent knowledge of the primary and secondary texts assigned for the course.
  • Has a nuanced understanding of ways in which African American literary production is central to the development of American literature and other arts.
  • Understands theoretical approaches to literature that relate to cultural contexts and historical contexts, especially discussions around the idea of the "America" for African Americans in a particular historical period.
  • Comprehends the social and artistic functions that texts in various media served in a particular historical context.

Skills:

The student can:

  • Analyze and read critically both primary and secondary texts, and be able to recognize connections among them.
  • Apply theoretical approaches to assess the impact of African American literature and art on imaginative expressions in the more recent past.
  • Write and speak with coherence and confidence in English.
  • Consider ways in which arts in various forms relate to conflict transformation in the larger society.


Language of instruction and examination

Language of instruction and examination: English.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

Coursework requirement:

One oral presentation that includes involving the class in a discussion, and 80% attendance after registration for the course closes.

Assessment method:

The exam will consist of a term paper of approx. 8-10 pages (1.5 line spacing, font size 12).

The exam will be assessed on an A-F grades scale. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed. A re-sit exam is offered in in the beginning of the following semester in cases of grade F /Fail. A postponed exam is offered in the beginning of the following semester if the student is unable to take the final exam due to illness or other exceptional circumstances. The registration deadline for re-sit/postponed examination is January 15 for autumn semester exams and August 15 for spring semester exams. In the event of a re-sit/postponed examination, the student is allowed to submit a revised version of his/her term paper within a given deadline


  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: ENG-2108