Genre Fiction
About the course
This course is intended for students in the master's programme in English literature and students in the master's programme in teacher education year 8-13 (lektorutdanning trinn 8-13, studieretning engelsk).
The course may be taken as a single course by students who meet the admission requirements for the MA programme in English Literature.
This course concerns types of literature that have historically been designated genre fiction, such as science fiction, fantasy, crime, or horror. By tracing the historical roots, developments, and reception of one such genre, the course helps students understand why the genre has been considered sub-canonical—and how it has affected both canonical literature and different aspects of society.
What are the common traits of the genre? How has it been discussed publicly and intellectually throughout history? What does its audience praise and its detractors condemn? What are its reciprocal relationships with other genres? Through a representative sampling of literature from the genre, we will aim for a reflective understanding of both the genre itself and evaluative literary classification more generally.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification, in English literature, or a degree combining English literature and a closely-related discipline (minimum 80 ECTS in English). An average grade equivalent to a Norwegian C or better in the English coursework (80 ECTS) is required.
Application code: 9371 - Enkeltemner på masternivå (Nordic applicants).
Objectives of the course
The students have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
Students will have:
- Advanced knowledge of the historical roots, developments, and common traits of the genre being studied.
- An understanding of theory and contemporary scholarship related to the genre.
- An ability to combine sustained close reading skills with concepts learned in the course in reading the work of individual authors.
Skills
Students will be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate literary texts in the context of the genre being studied.
- Apply critical theories and methodologies, including historical context and discussions of canon/non-canon literature, to generate scholarly arguments about literary texts.
- Carry out independent research to develop projects that contribute meaningfully to current critical discussions.
Competence
Students will be able to:
- Formulate original arguments to build upon existing critical discussions through oral and written communication.
- Arrive at independent understandings of literary texts that have historically been categorized as "genre."
- Apply and build upon knowledge gained in the course for future work carried out at the master level.
Teaching methods
The course takes place for one 13-week term and meets once per week. Teaching methods will include lectures, class exercises, and independent study.
Quality assurance
All courses undergo a halfway evaluation once in a 3-year period at the bachelor's level. The study programme leader determines which programme options will be evaluated per year, and which courses will be evaluated by the students and the teacher per year.
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Examination
| Portfolio | Hand in: 29.05.2026 14:00 |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Response paper 1 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Response paper 2 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Response paper 3 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Response paper 4 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage