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

• Written assignment, 1000 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

Interactive lectures and moderated seminar discussions.