Passion and exploitation. Work in life and literature
7.5 ECTS creditsThe historical view of work has often been analysed in the form of two opposite views. One aims to glorify work; work is always good and it is through work that the development of the species homo sapiens as well as the individual takes place. The other claims that work is wholly bad, entailing suffering and the more we can avoid working, the better it is. This dichotomy is problematised through relating the development of ideas to the social transformations of work, but also through the literary portrayal of forms of work and conceptions of work. Literature is a form of knowledge that can add to the social science analysis. The concepts of passion and exploitation constitute a frame as well as food for thought in lectures and seminars.
The course comprises three units. The first, the forms of work organisation, provides an introduction to social work modes. The second unit, the historical view of work focuses on the systems of ideas that are linked to social work modes in European history, but also the importance, meaning and consequences of work.The third unit, work in literature, deals with how social organisational forms of work are portrayed in literature. Several theories in the fields of work and literature studies are used to understand the interaction of work, life, community and how literature can shed light on this interaction.
The course is a free-standing general knowledge course aimed to create awareness and inspiration through seminar discussions.
The course comprises three units. The first, the forms of work organisation, provides an introduction to social work modes. The second unit, the historical view of work focuses on the systems of ideas that are linked to social work modes in European history, but also the importance, meaning and consequences of work.The third unit, work in literature, deals with how social organisational forms of work are portrayed in literature. Several theories in the fields of work and literature studies are used to understand the interaction of work, life, community and how literature can shed light on this interaction.
The course is a free-standing general knowledge course aimed to create awareness and inspiration through seminar discussions.
Progressive specialisation:
G1N (has only upper‐secondary level entry requirements)
Education level:
Undergraduate level
Admission requirements:
General admission requirements
Selection:
Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.
Course code:
AVGA04
The course is not included in the course offerings for the next period.