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Full Year

Scandinavian Literature 2 (ELCS08029)

Subject

European Languages and Cultures - Scandinavian

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

2

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Entry to any language course above introductory level is subject to a language test by the relevant subject area on arrival and at the discretion of the course organiser. Visiting Students must have completed one of the following courses (or equivalent) at grade B or above: Swedish 1 (ELCS08027) or Norwegian 1 (ELCS08028) or Danish 1 (ELCS08033). **Please see Additional Restrictions below**

Course Summary

The course will introduce students to key texts and topics in the history of Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian and Swedish) literature from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The course will give students the opportunity to study a range of literary forms in context, aiming to develop skills in literary analysis as well as an awareness of different critical approaches to literature. The course aims to equip students with reading strategies that are sensitive to cultural and historical difference.

Course Description

This course covers a wide variety of literary forms and authors, including Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and travel writing, the Naturalistic drama of Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg, short stories from bourgeois and proletarian authors, covering both urban and rural concerns, along with a selection of modernist poetry, and several different types of novel, including the dystopian novel, the Gothic novel, the crime novel, and the coming-of-age novel. These literary forms are situated in the context of cultural and ideological developments from Romanticism via the Scandinavian Modern Breakthrough to Modernism and proletarian writing, and against a background of political and social changes including democratisation, Occupation and the development of the welfare-state. Breakdown of Learning and Teaching Activities: Students will begin each week by watching some short videos as an introduction to the specific themes to be studied [Asynchronous]. The videos are linked to core reading and further resources, available via the course Learn page [Asynchronous]. Engaging with these materials is essential for participation in the weekly seminars. Once per semester students will also prepare and deliver a formative presentation on an assigned aspect of the course. Depending on class size, these will be given in pairs or in groups [Synchronous]. Students will also participate actively in each week's two seminars, preparing for and engaging in discussion as directed [Synchronous]. Summative Assessment: Summative assessment will take the form of written assignments submitted in the exam weeks of Semester 1 and Semester 2. At the end of Semester 1, students will submit two, 500-word "Snapshots of Scandinavian Literature" based on questions related to individual topics covered in Semester 1. At the end of Semester 2, students will submit a 1500-word essay, on a question relating to one of the topics covered in semester 2. Potentially Re-Traumatising Content: In this course, we will be discussing content that may be re-traumatising to some students. We believe in the importance of engaging with this material and so please rest assured that we will work with you to ensure you can participate fully and demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes of the course, without compromising your wellbeing or your academic development. If you have concerns at any point, we invite you to approach the course organiser to discuss how we can best support you in your work on this course. We affirm that you will be treated with dignity and respect in all discussions and at every stage of the course.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Restrictions

Students MUST NOT also be taking Swedish 1 (ELCS08027), Danish 1 (ELCS07001) or Norwegian 1 (ELCS08028)

view the timetable and further details for this course