British Literature, Culture, and Society (ENG111)

Content

This survey course offers a broad introduction to British and Irish literature and culture from Shakespeare up until our own time. The assigned texts are studied with concrete reference to the socio-historical and political contexts from which they arise, and the course introduces approaches to textual analysis in the main literary genres of poetry, prose, and drama with a focus on formal and thematic features. Through this course the student gains an understanding of the most central periods and main developments in British literature and culture. The course will also explore ideas and debates relevant in contemporary society and investigate the ways in which the authors relate meaningfully to their cultural, historical and social contexts.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing this course, you have:

• an overview of changes, periods, and central writers, and literary works in British literature

• an overview of the ways in which the authors relate meaningfully to their cultural, historical and social contexts

• knowledge and understanding of British culture and society in an historical and contemporary perspective  

Skills:

After completing this course, you are:

• able to analyse literary texts in a variety of genres

• able to express yourself in appropriate academic English

• able to write academic texts that makes literary-critical arguments

• able to analyse important questions and problems facing British society in an historical and contemporary perspective

General competence: 

After completing this course, you can:

• demonstrate critical, analytic, and interpretive skills using academic English

• conduct academic analysis of a variety of texts

• understand, discuss, and contextualise literary texts in English

• understand and discuss central themes concerning British culture and society from an historical and contemporary perspective 

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

One written assignment  

In order to take the exam, students must have passed the obligatory written assignment.

If the assignment is assessed as not approved on the first attempt, students are given one opportunity to submit a revised assignment.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Study Adviser:

Study Adviser:

Method of work

Lectures, interactive group work, and obligatory assignment

Open for

Open course for all students with an active right to study and who meet the requirements for general university admissions certification (GSK).

Course assessment

Literature