ENG2302 – Early 20th Century Literature in English
Course content
The first half of the 20th century was a turbulent and transformative period for American and British culture. Women and men began to define themselves in very different ways, and one of the tools they used to redefine themselves was literature.
The novels, short stories, and poetry of the early 20th century critiqued existing forms of identity, suggested new alternative forms, and provided readers with a space in which to reflect on the ways in which they might transform themselves and their surroundings.
This course will explore some of the forms American and British literature took during the first half of the 20th century, and it will consider the continuing relevance of these texts to our contemporary situation.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- have a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between literary texts and social structures,
- know the cultural, political, and stylistic protocols of modernism and its various literary movements,
- can read texts closely, and know how to read both formal and thematic aspects of texts as part of larger cultural and historical movements.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in all.
Obligatory activities:
- A qualifying essay of 4-5 pages. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodations
Fulfilled course requirements are only valid for the current semester.
Examination
The final grade is set on the basis of a written term paper (8-10 standard pages à 2,300 characters)
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
For those who want to retake their exam: Since the form of assessment in this course is a term paper, you must follow the seminars and write a new paper in order to qualify. Admission depends on capacity.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.