English Literature and Culture I

Undergraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

In English literature and culture at 200-level, students take the same course as either ENG226 (school exam) or ENG266 (term paper).

The course gives a critical and theoretical introduction to literature in English, or to a topic in cultural studies. The course focuses on a historical period or genre in English literature, or on a literary, cultural or interdisciplinary topic.

The course aims to provide the student with extended knowledge of the literature and/or culture in English-speaking countries, and to train students to have a critical and independent understanding of main questions that are connected with the study of literature and/or culture. The course also aims to give students a strong command of written and spoken English.

In addition to ENG226, students specializing in literature take ENG268 (term paper in English literature and culture).

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has gained further knowledge on the aspects that characteristic of the literature and/or culture that the course focuses on
  • has a critical and independent understanding of main questions that are tied to the study of literature and/or culture generally

Skills

The student

  • is capable of reflecting on the theoretical questions that the course raises

General competence

The students

  • can express themselves in correct academic English

ECTS Credits

15

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
No formal requirements, but see ''Recommended Previous Knowledge''.
Recommended Previous Knowledge

It is recommended that students have completed the introductory semester as well as ENG110 (or ENG114, ENG115), ENG120 (or 107, ENG108/118, ENG109/119), ENG122 and ENG125, or equivalent.

For students with a background other than the Norwegian school system, a level of competence in English corresponding to C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Due to course overlap, a student cannot receive credit for ENG226 in combination with ENG266.
Access to the Course

The course is open to all students admitted to the University of Bergen.

For exchange students: Applicants have to document English language proficiency to access the course. Students should hold a level of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). For valid tests, please see uib.no/exchange.

Teaching and learning methods

Seminars: up to 24 hours (normally 2 hours per week for 12 weeks).

In the case that fewer than five students register for a course, the organized teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1 February / 1 September.

Students are expected to consistently and actively participate in the scheduled teaching. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Attendance is obligatory. Students must be present in at least 80% of the seminars.

In order to take the exam, students must complete and pass two different obligatory assignments given in connection with the seminars. These are a combination of one individual oral presentation, and/or oral presentation in groups of two or three students, and/or a response to oral presentation, and/or short written assignments on site in the seminars with peer review, and/or submission of short written works of 300 words, and/or leading discussions in seminars. The exact combination of assignments and their deadlines will be announced on Mitt UiB at the beginning of the semester. All obligatory assignments must be completed in the same semester.

Compulsory assignments are valid for the teaching semester and the following semester.

Forms of Assessment

The exam is a four-hour school exam.

The school exam may be digital.

Grading Scale
The exam is marked in the grade scale A-F, where F is a fail.
Assessment Semester

Spring. Assessment also at the beginning of the autumn semester for students with valid compulsory assignments. It is recommended that students take the exam at the end of the teaching semester.

Reading List

The reading list is comprised of selection of literary texts, non-fiction texts and theoretical texts.

The reading list will be available by 1 December for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation
The teaching is evaluated in accordance with the quality control system of the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
No aids are permitted in the school exam.
Programme Committee
The Programme Board is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study programme, and for the quality of all the subjects therein.
Course Coordinator
The Programme Board for English.
Course Administrator
The Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Humanities has the administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.