Semesters
ENG144 Literature, Culture and Society before 1900
Higher Education Entrance Qualification
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 sources, literary texts and other relevant artefacts and equips the student with the skills required to understand, analyse and assess this material.
In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student has achieved the following learning outcomes after completing the course:
After completing the course, the student will have a good knowledge and understanding 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
After 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 (especially close reading and comparison)
- analyse and evaluate specific examples of the interplay between social history and artistic expression, applying standard methods of historical and literary analysis
- 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
After 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
Teaching takes the form of lectures, discussions, group work and individual study.
The student must complete the following two assignments in order to be allowed to take the exams and receive credits for the course:
- Write within a specified deadline a 1000-word analysis of one or two historical sources, in which they evaluate the picture those sources present of a particular event or period, applying standard methods of historical analysis.
- Write within a specified deadline a 2000-word analysis and evaluation of two or more literary texts, applying standard methods of literary analysis. This may include analysing and evaluating specific examples of the interplay between social history and artistic expression, applying standard methods of historical and literary analysis
Attendance is compulsory for all scheduled classes. 75% attendance through the semester is required to sit for the exam.
There is also an obligatory two-week stay at The Norwegian Study Centre in York, England. Students who apply for, and are granted, an exemption from this obligatory course component must instead give a presentation on a topic decided by one of the course tutors.
Sensur blir gjennomført i samsvar med Forskrift om opptak, studium og eksamen ved Høgskulen i Volda, § 5-11.
The course will be evaluated in accordance with the University College’s routines for quality assurance.
- Bachelor in religious studies
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |