Semesters

ENG142N Literature, Culture and Society after 1900

Course code: 
ENG142N
Duration: 
1 semester
Credits (ECTS): 
15
Level of study: 
Foundation level (bachelor’s degree level)
Teaching semester: 
2021 Autumn
Assessment semester: 
2021 Autumn
Language of instruction: 
English
Required prerequisite knowledge

Grade 4 or equivalent from secondary education

Course content

This course provides an introduction to literature, culture and society from the English-speaking world since 1900. It covers a broad selection of events and texts from the United States, Britain and other former British colonies, and equips the student with the skills required to understand, analyse and assess this material.

Learning outcome

In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student will have reached the following learning outcomes upon completing the course:

Learning outcome knowledge

After completing the course, the student will have knowledge and understanding of:

  • the most important formal and thematic traits of literary genres after 1900
  • central aspects of history, culture and society in Great Britain, the USA and other English-speaking countries after 1900
  • basic techniques of literary, cultural and historical analysis
  • the interplay between social history, literature, art and culture in this period
  • how to write a good academic essay in English
Learning outcome skills

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • analyse and evaluate modern literary texts in English, applying standard methods of literary analysis
  • assess and interpret the significance of political and historical events in English-speaking countries after 1900
  • use digital resources to analyse literature, culture and society
  • compare and assess the interplay between literature, art, trends and events in this period
  • write structurally and stylistically competent essays in English
Learning outcome qualification

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • analyse, evaluate and present information in an independent and critical manner 
  • write persuasively and effectively in academic English
Working and learning activities

Teaching takes place online through the Learning Management System Canvas. Lessons are published on a weekly basis and can be accessed by the student in their own time. Each lesson addresses a particular topic and consists of a combination of written material, sound and video files, and discussions forums. Additionally, the course involves the completion of two work requirements within fixed deadlines.

Assessment requirements

Each student is required to submit two work requirements that must be approved if the student is to be permitted to sit for the final exams. One is an essay on a c. 2000 word literary topic. The student receives feedback from the tutor and must submit a new version of the the essay within a specified deadline. In the second version the student must comment on the changes that have been made. Submitting two drafts is obligatory. The second work requirement is a c. 1000 word text on a history/society topic.

If an assignment is not accepted at first submission, the student has the right to submit a new version.

Evaluation system

The student must complete two work requirements subject to approval before they can sit for the exam: a 2000-word term paper on a literary topic, and a culture and society essay of up to 1000 words. Both papers receive individual feedback.

Evaluation

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.

Maximum number of students: 
100
Person in charge: 
Timothy Saunders
Used in other programs
  • English - year course (net-based, part time)
  • English one-year course (net-based)
  • History - bachelor (net-based)
Assessment FormGroupingDurationGrading scaleProportionCommentSupport MaterialsScope
Digital examination
Individual
6 Hours
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
1/3
Home exam
Individual
1 Week
A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade
2/3
Approval signature: 
Arne Myklebust