ENG2307 – Late 20th Century Literature in English
Course content
According to Richard Wright, "Literature is a struggle over the nature of reality." In this course, we will look at the way American literature from the last six decades struggles with traditional notions of culture, identity, and humanity.
We will read important texts in order to examine the way in which they work to reshape their readers’ conceptions of reality, and to reframe American culture in ways that are more expansive, open, and liberatory.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- understand the relationship between literary texts and social structures,
- know key texts in English since the end of the twentieth century,
- know how to read texts closely,
- know how to read both formal and thematic aspects of texts in relationship to 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.
Admission to the course is required to attend seminars.
Teaching
Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in all.
- Canvas posts and online activities for each seminar (minimum 8 of 10). Requirements and details to be distributed by the course instructor.
- Problem statement (1 paragraph) for final paper submitted by announced deadline. Requirements and details to be distributed by the instructor. 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.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam. Fulfilled course requirements are only valid for the current semester.
Examination
The obligatory requirements must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the exam.
The final grade is set on the basis of a written term paper (5-7 standard pages à 2,300 characters, 60% of the grade) and a short written exam (2 hours, 40% of the grade).
It is required to pass both parts of the exam individually, and you have to take both parts in the same semester.
Examination support material
Short written exam: No examination support material is allowed.
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
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
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.