ENG2333 – Multicultural Literature in English
Course description
Course content
This course is an examination of modern and contemporary English literature through the lens of multiculturalism.
The focus of the course will change from semester to semester, foregrounding different sets of literary texts by writers concerned with issues of race, identity, and the multicultural dynamics of the English-language world.
Possible topics include:
- Race and sexuality
- First Peoples’ literature and cultures
- Jazz and African American literature
- Cultural politics
- Immigration and literature
- Asian American literature
- Hispanic literature and culture
We will read a variety of literary genres, including novels, plays and creative non-fiction, by writers who are concerned with issues of colonialism, race, language and identity within multicultural societies. Some of the important questions we will address are:
- What are the concerns of so-called "ethnic" writers in contemporary cultures of the English-language world?
- What is the relationship between identity politics and literature?
- How can we use critical race analysis as a part of literary study?
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- will have knowledge of English-language literature by analyzing texts written by authors who openly challenge the literary canon, and who furthermore acknowledge the race and class divisions at the heart of English-language cultures.
- will have an understanding of the relationship between politics, identity, and the place of literature in a range of contemporary English-language societies.
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended students have taken at least 10 ECTS in literature/culture, preferably ENG1303 – British Literature/ENG1304 – American Literature or equivalent. The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4373 – Multicultural Literature in English.
Teaching
Seminars, 2?hours per week for 10 weeks.?20 hours in total.
- Drafts of the portfolio assignments submitted by specified dates during the semester.?Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements.?Information about?guidelines for obligatory activities.
- Canvas posts before each seminar (minimum 6, instructions to be distributed)
- 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 accommodation.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam.?Fulfilled course requirements are only valid the semester you attend the course.
Examination
The form of assessment is a portfolio of several written works totaling 15 pages.
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, portfolio or equivalent that has been submitted for grading 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.