Semesters
ENG144N 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 of reading longer literary works will be an advantage in this course.
In accordance with the national qualification framework, the student will have achieved 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, 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
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 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 discussion forums. There are also some non-obligatory live seminars on Zoom. For these seminars, students should have access to a computer microphone and a web-camera.
Students may participate in the two-week period of studies at The Norwegian Study Centre in York offered to those on the campus-based course, subject to places being available.
In order to be eligible to sit the exam, the student must also complete and have approved within the deadlines specified at the start of the semester the following two written assignments:
- a history and society assignment (1000 words)
- a literature essay (1500 words)
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 (net-based, part time)
- English one-year course (net-based)
- History - bachelor (net-based)
- Religion and Culture - bachelor (net-based)
| Assessment Form | Grouping | Duration | Grading scale | Proportion | Comment | Support Materials | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Home exam | Individual | 6 Hours | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade | This is a home exam. | This exam consists of three parts: a history and society assignment (34%); short questions about literature (33%); and a 1500-word literature essay (33%). The topics for the literature essay will be published on Canvas one week ahead of the exam |