Critical Approaches to Literature (ENG340)

Interpretation and critical analysis for literary and cultural studies.

Knowledge

By the end of the course, students are expected to:

• have advanced knowledge about contemporary literary studies, with specialized insights into interpretive methods for textual analysis
• have thorough knowledge about important works of literature, literary criticism, and critical theory, and in-depth understanding of critical approaches and methods for textual analysis in literary studies
• be able to apply knowledge about critical approaches and theoretical concepts to interpret new and unfamiliar texts in literary studies
• be able to analyze significant literary-critical approaches and their practical application in academic disciplines and professional fields

Skills

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• analyze and critically engage with literary texts and various sources of information, using them to formulate and structure reasonable claims and scholarly informed arguments
• analyze different critical approaches, methods, and interpretive frameworks in literary studies, using them to solve problems and practice textual analysis
• use key theoretical concepts as tools to develop methods for working independently with ideas and issues raised in literary texts
• formulate intelligent interpretations using literary-critical approaches when researching, writing, and teaching about socially significant issues

General competence

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• apply new knowledge and skills to carry out advanced assignments and projects
• communicate (verbally and in writing) using correct, varied, and precise English
• communicate about academic issues, analyses, and conclusions in the interdisciplinary field of literary studies, both with specialists and the general public
• contribute to new thinking and innovative processes by developing transferable intellectual skills, such as: critical thinking, problem solving, creative innovation, cultural awareness, and effective communication

One written assignment, 2000 words +/- 10 %

• One presentation, 5-7 minutes.
• Mandatory attendance (75 % minimum)

References and AI

All submitted assignments must be the result of the student’s own independent work. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the rules for source referencing.

Information on source referencing is available on the University Library’s website: https://www.uis.no/en/library/citations

Guidance on the use of AI tools in relation to exams can be found on the University of Stavanger’s exam pages: https://www.uis.no/en/student-pages/use-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-assignment-writing-and-exams

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