General provisions

The course is included in the Master's Programme in English.

Entry requirements

120 credits. English A1, B1 and C1, or 90 credits in a language subject or in literary studies.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will be able to

• demonstrate insight into the themes, concerns, and formal strategies of American modernism and other literatures from this period;
• show familiarity with some of the major theoretical and critical arguments regarding this literature;
• show an understanding of how to relate this literature to the development of modernity in America;
• gather and process critical material;
• show proficiency in the use of critical material in a written literary analysis;show a good ability to participate, orally and in writing, in a discussion of literary works in fluent English.

Content

This course focuses on the development of modernity in America and explores how modernist and other literatures have reflected, interrogated, and revised its narratives. Through selected readings of both canonical and lesser-known texts, this course explores the diversity, contradictions, and dynamic energy of American literature from the beginnings of the twentieth century up until World War II and trains students to situate this literature in relation to tumultuous upheavals in society.

Instruction

Group sessions. Instruction, class discussions, and examinations are in English. All teaching materials are in English.

Assessment

Assessment takes the form of a final exam in the form of an essay at the end of the course. The final essay may be replaced by, or supplemented with, alternative assessment elements, such as shorter essays assigned during the course, journals, or portfolios. Grades are fail, pass, or pass with distinction.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Students who fail a regular examination will be offered a make-up examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail an examination twice have the right to apply to the head of the department for permission to change examiners.

Other directives

If the curriculum or the course literature for a course module is changed, students have the right to be examined on the original curriculum and course literature on three occasions during the following three terms. After these three opportunities, the right normally expires. No other limitations apply regarding the number of examination opportunities.

Transitional provisions

Please contact the student counsellor for transitional regulations in connection with changes in the curriculum.