Semesters
ENG144 Literature, culture and society before 1900
Ingen
This course provides an introduction to the literature, culture and society of the English-speaking world from the medieval period to the end of the nineteenth century. It covers a representative selection of historical events, social and cultural developments, and literary texts, and it equips the student with the skills required to understand, analyse and assess this material.
Previous experience in reading longer literary texts, along with a good grade in English from Upper Secondary School, will be an advantage in taking this course.
In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student will have acquired the following learning outcomes upon completing the course:
Upon completing the course, the student will have a good knowledge of
- the principal events, developments and characteristic features of the history of Britain, the United States and the British Empire up to 1900
- a representative selection of the literary texts, genres and artistic movements that featured prominently in the English-speaking world during this period
- the interplay between social history, literature, art and culture in the English-speaking world prior to 1900
- the basic techniques of literary, cultural and historical analysis
- how to write a good academic essay in English
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- analyse historical sources and evaluate the picture they present of a particular event or period, applying standard methods of historical analysis
- analyse and evaluate older literary texts in English, applying standard methods of literary analysis
- analyse and evaluate specific examples of the interplay between social history and artistic expression
- use digital resources to enhance their ability to understand, analyse and evaluate the literature, culture and society of the English-speaking world before 1900
- write structurally and stylistically assured academic essays in English
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- analyse, evaluate and present information in a critical and coherent manner
- write persuasively and effectively in academic English
- discuss English literature, culture and society in an informed and convincing manner
Teaching is scheduled on a weekly basis. It takes the form of lectures, discussions, group work and individual study.
Attendance requirement
The student must attend, and partcipate actively in, at least 75% of the scheduled classes
Course assignments
In order to be eligible to sit the exam, the student must also complete and have approved the following three assignments within the deadlines specified at the start of the semester :
- a culture and society assignment, either a 1000-word written assignment or an oral presentation (decided by the course convenor)
- a literature essay (1500 words)
- an obligatory two-week stay at the Norwegian Study Centre in York, England. Students who are unable to attend must apply for an exemption and complete an alternative assignment within a set deadline
If an assignment is not approved on the first hand-in, the student will be given the opportunity to submit a second time, usually within a very short deadline.
Exams will be assessed in accordance with the regulations for admissions, studies and exams at Volda University College, § 5-11
The course will be evaluated in accordance with Volda University College’s routines for quality assurance.
- English - Year Course
- English - year course (part time)
- History - bachelor
- Language and Literature - bachelor
| Assessment Form | Grouping | Duration | Grading scale | Proportion | Comment | Support Materials | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral examination | Individual | 30 Minutes | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade |