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 and literary texts 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
- 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
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
- talk about English literature, culture and society in an informed and convincing manner
Teaching takes the form of lectures, discussions, group work and individual study.
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 will either be a c. 1000 word text on a history/society topic or an oral presentation.
If an assignment is not accepted at first submission, the student has the right to submit a new version.
Attendance is compulsory for all scheduled classes. 75% attendance 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 are unable to take part can be required to do alternative work.
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.
- 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 |