Literature in Context (MLI365)

Content

The course Literature in Context is driven by the idea that our understanding of literary texts can be greatly enhanced by an appreciation of the context within which these texts were produced and read. Texts will be chosen with the express intention of exploring the historical, bibliographical, cultural, and philosophical period within which they are situated. While close reading is at the heart of any literary analysis, the emphasis in this course is moving from the text into the world. Students will develop their critical literacy skills by actively investigating the relationship between both texts and authorship and the relevant historical periods. Emphasis will be put on thinking past the misconception that literature is a simple reflection of history. Instead, the course will examine the complex interplay between text and world, including the ways in which even ancient history can come into play to define the terms we use to understand multiple genres. Finally, while the course may treat different historical periods, it will seek to raise questions relevant to our current understanding of literature and its place in the contemporary world. The work done in the class will help develop critical competencies in order to prepare students to write their MA theses.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The students will gain knowledge of

• the complex and varied relationships between a text and its contexts
• interpretative approaches including historical, biographical, cultural, and philosophical
• reading and writing practices conducive to developing one's critical literacy
• key theoretical concepts and critical debates in contemporary literary studies
• significant literary-critical approaches and methodologies for disciplines across the arts and humanities

Skills

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

• situate texts in their contexts at an expert level
• gain theoretical and historical fluency in the contextual periods covered
• improve their ability to read texts critically and relate them to their theoretical and literary contexts
• read, understand, and be able to summarize and present secondary material
• make informed choices about literary-critical and analytical approaches that may be useful when planning a Master's thesis on a topic in literary studies

General competence

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

• understand the complex relationship between literature and society from both a historical and theoretical perspective
• explain complex ideas both orally and in writing
• create new concepts through an examination of the dialectic between the scholarly field and the text
• develop their ability to participate in academic and professional conversations
• gain essential competences for professional life, including critical thinking, problem solving, creative innovation, and global cultural awareness

Required prerequisite knowledge

Required prerequisite knowledge equivalent for admission to the master in literacy program. A Bachelor's degree, which includes at least 80 ECTS credits in English language and/or literature is required. 30 credits of the 80 credits must be at advanced level.

Exam

Coursework requirements

• 75 % attendance at seminars.
• Short weekly writing assignments. Mandatory at the level of 75%. Deadlines are set by the professors. No late assignments accepted unless by prior agreement with professors.

Students who get one or more assignment assessed as not approved at their first attempt are given one opportunity to hand in a revised assignment.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Study Adviser:

Method of work

Lectures and seminars.

Students are expected to:

• Participate both orally and in written assignments in class. There will be in-class assigned writing, group work, and informal presentations.
• Thoroughly read and annotate (take notes on) the required course reading material.
• Participate actively in digital teaching and learning apps used during the course.
• Regular participation online in Canvas is expected.

Open for

Course assessment

Literature