Introduction to Literary Studies (ENG113)

This is an introductory course to the study of literature focusing on fundamental questions like "what is literature?", "how do we read a literary text?" and "what is the function of literature in the world?" This is an essential course for anyone who loves fiction, plays, and poetry and wants a clear and direct approach to understanding them. 


Course description for study year 2025-2026

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

ENG113

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Admission requirements

General university admissions certification (GSK)

Content

The course will provide the necessary foundation for further exploration in literature, focusing specifically on methods (advanced reading and writing methods) while exploring major topics and themes such as race, class, gender, identity, culture, critical thinking, ethics, creativity, environmental awareness, and democracy. The course will include multiple genres such as poetry, plays, fiction, and creative non-fiction.

 

This course will be organized thematically around major topics in the study of literature. Readings will be selected from both contemporary and historical periods with an emphasis on developing the fundamental skills of reading, writing, and thinking about literature. Students will respond critically to the themes and texts through both discussion and writing. This course will be appropriate for students interested in both the study and teaching of literature. Specific themes, topics, and readings will be designed by the course instructor.    

Learning outcome

Knowledge  

By the end of the course, students are expected to possess knowledge of 

  • the themes and topics covered in the course 

  • basic comprehension of the readings covered in the course 

  • different genres of literature and their relationship to reading, writing, and thinking 

  • methods and practices for developing creative and critical thinking through the study of literature 

  • key literary terminology  pertaining to this course

Skills 

By the end of the course, students should be able to 

  • write about the connection between themes and literary texts 

  • discuss themes and topics in literature with specific reference to the text 

  • make preliminary arguments regarding literary themes and topics 

  • use literary terminology in discussions and arguments 

  • use literature as a tool for critical thinking  

  • develop creative thinking through the study of literature 

  • be prepared for more advanced study literary topics

General Competence  

By the end of the course, students will be able to  

  • read and comprehend literary texts 

  • read and comprehend advanced argument 

  • write coherently about themes and topics in literature 

  • write basic arguments concerning literature and culture 

  • express themselves in correct, varied and precise English  

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

The course presupposes a solid command of written and spoken English.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam 1/1 1 Weeks Letter grades All

Coursework requirements

Obligatory written assignment

1 obligatory assignment

    • Written

    • Approx. 500-1500 words as set by instructor

 

In order to take the exam, students must have passed the 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:

Allen Clarence Jones

Study Adviser:

Margrethe Melin

Study Adviser:

Anne Marie Nygaard

Method of work

The course will include lectures, discussion, informal oral presentations, independent reading, and both formal and informal writing and reading exercises.

Open for

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

Admission requirements

General university admissions certification (GSK).

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto