Semesters
ENG144N Literature, culture and Society before 1900
None
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 will have 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 an independent and critical manner
- write persuasively and effectively in academic English
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 time period or topic and consists of a combination of written material, sound and video files, and discussion forums. Additionally, the course involves the completion of two work requirements within fixed deadlines.
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
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 (net-based, part time)
- English one-year course (net-based)
| 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 | Essay on modern history and society | ||
Home exam | Individual | 1 Week | A-F, A is the best grade and E is the lowest passing grade | 2/3 | Essay on modern literature |