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Semester 2

Contemporary Scandinavian Literature: A Transnational Approach (Ordinary) (ELCS09017)

Subject

European Languages and Cultures - Scandinavian

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

In order to be eligible to take 4th Year Options, Visiting Students should have the equivalent of at least two years of study at University level of the appropriate language(s) and culture(s).

Course Summary

This course approaches contemporary Scandinavian literature from a transnational perspective. It sets out to explore the ways in which Scandinavian literature has negotiated times of heightened globalisation, in which societies are shaped by the migrations of people from diverse backgrounds. Its principal focus will be the experiences of those who are often constructed as "other": newcomers to the Scandinavian countries and postmigrant characters. The course foregrounds and challenges notions of Scandinavian exceptionalism by highlighting linguistic and cultural permeations. It does so by investigating mechanisms for exclusion; and by addressing the conflicts and struggles with which postmigrant characters often have to contend.

Course Description

Scandinavian literature has had a profound impact on global society, in terms of both political discourse and philosophical thought. Traditionally, works by writers such as H.C. Andersen, Carl Almqvist, Søren Kierkegaard and others have drawn international attention to the small nations of the North, while at the same time contributing to Scandinavians' self-understanding as Danes, Norwegians and Swedes. Today, the rapidly changing demography and political dynamics of the Scandinavian societies challenge this self-understanding. Questions of what it means to be Scandinavian, or to "belong" to one of the Scandinavian nations, are increasingly reflected upon in contemporary literature, with transnational texts gaining an ever more prominent position in Scandinavian literary discourse. Considering that, in a globalised world, everyone in any society is influenced by the movement of people, and not just those who are coming or going, contemporary literature - in Scandinavia and elsewhere - addresses the conflicts and struggles pertaining to postmigrant identities and a sense of belonging - both from the perspectives of those constructed as sedentary, and those who are often perceived as "other", or new to a country. This, in turn, is influencing the ways in which Scandinavians conceptualise themselves today. Breakdown of Learning and Teaching Activities: This course is a 20 credit, SCQF Level 9 course which seeks to inspire discussion on the complexities of Scandinavian self-understanding, and how this is reflected upon in contemporary literature. Theoretical conceptualisations of transnational literature, postmigrant societies and Scandinavian exceptionalism will enable students to engage critically with questions of national/transnational identities, postmigrant belonging, and mechanisms for exclusion, such as racism and othering. Careful close reading will empower students to reflect upon the politics of the texts studied, and whether they can be seen as counter-discourses to those debates that, unfortunately, often reinforce marginalisation. This course is taught in English, but advanced knowledge of Danish/Norwegian/Swedish language is a pre-requisite as some of the primary texts may not be translated into English. The course begins with a discussion of different theoretical approaches to transnational literature, Scandinavian exceptionalism and postmigrant societies. The subsequent seminars will be taught interactively, each exploring a specific set of questions focusing on the main themes and ideas posited by the weekly lists of primary texts and secondary sources. In addition, students will write short reflective blog posts on each of the texts studied, for discussion and peer-review on the course Discussion Forums each week. Towards the end of the semester, each student will also give a presentation on a self-chosen topic in relation with the course themes. There will be set essay questions to choose from for the final discursive essay. This course contains potentially (re-)traumatising content.

Assessment Information

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

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