Special Topics in Literature (ENG274)

Building upon the introductory courses in English, the course examines how themes develop in relation to contemporary society as well as with past literary modes and socio-historical contexts. The course explores specialized thematic concerns and provides an introduction to relevant theoretical lenses and critical traditions that may illuminate the student’s own formal analysis, interpretation, and explication. Topics offered vary from year to year.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

ENG274

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Offered by

Content

The course gives a critical and theoretical introduction to literature or to a topic in cultural studies in English. The aim of the course is to provide the student with extended knowledge of the literature and culture in English-speaking countries, with an emphasis on developing a critical and independent understanding of topics connected with the study of literature and/or culture. The course also aims to give students a strong command of written and spoken English.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the students will have gained knowledge of:

  • broad knowledge of major literary themes and textual relationship to society and culture
  • engagement with alternate scholarly positions around a particular research question
  • theoretical approaches to literary texts and cultural expressions characteristic of the texts and/or culture that the course focuses on

Skills

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:

  • reflect upon central theories, concepts and perspectives within the fields of literature and culture
  • describe and explain central aspects of society and literature
  • analyze and evaluate central concepts and themes in terms of the cultural and literary context
  • engage with and incorporate secondary source material at an advanced level

General competencies

Upon completion of the course, the students:

  • will be able to express themselves correctly and academically
  • will have learned to read texts closely and interpret them
  • can understand and articulate theories covered in the course
  • can articulate and take a position within particular scholarly debates covered

Required prerequisite knowledge

Students must have a minimum of 50 ECTS in introductory English courses or equivalent in order to begin the specialization.

Recommended prerequisites

Good command of spoken and written English

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Oral exam 1/1 30 Minutes Letter grades Own notes

Oral exam (maximum 30 minutes)Notes from course permitted

Coursework requirements

75% attendance

1 obligatory assignment

    • Written
    • Approx. 500-1500 words as set by instructor

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Janne Stigen Drangsholt

Method of work

Lecture, discussion, informal presentations, flipped-classroom when appropriate

Open for

English Language and Literature - Bachelor's Degree Programme Advanced teacher education for levels 8-13

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto