American Literature, 1620-1919
The course is by and large based on reading individually selected literary texts, thus accommodating the doctoral students’ own choices to some extent. In addition to the primary texts, appropriate parts of a work providing an overview of literary history shall be read, as well as at least three works of criticism or theory connected to the time period, and selected in consultation with the examiner.
A series of seminars on selected primary texts from the reading list complements individual reading. Participants are expected to be well prepared for seminars, and to actively participate in discussions.
Course goals
Upon completion of the course, doctoral students should have
- thorough knowledge about American literature during the specified period,
- increased their understanding of problems related to descriptions of literary history, particularly as regards periodisation and genre, and
- enhanced their abilities to analyse literary texts critically and to critically evaluate different types of literary studies.
Prerequisites
The course is primarily aimed at students admitted to a doctoral programme in English, with specialisation in literary studies.
Examination
Assessment takes the form of continuous assessment and an individual written essay.