Syllabus for Archives of Empire

Decisions and guidelines

The course is included in the Master's Programme in English.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will be able to

• demonstrate an ability to present in-depth analyses of key works of colonial writing in light of theoretical debates over the relationship between empire and literatures in English
• show familiarity with the relationship between literary works and colonial-national identity
• show an understanding of the compexity of textual and ideological factors involved in the production and reception of empire writing
• gather and process critical material
• show proficiency in the use of critical material in a written literary analysis
• show a good ability to participate, orally and in writing, in a discussion of literary works in fluent English.

Content

This course focuses on the historical and theoretical relationship between empire and literary production. Students examine selected landmark literary works and movements as representations of colonial relations of race, gender, and class; as interventions in ethical and political debates over the ethics and future of imperialism; and as milestones of emergent colonial-national traditions. The complexity of writing on empire (propaganda, memoir, satire, fantasy) is explored in relation to ongoing theoretical debates over the fundamental relationship between culture and imperialism.

Instruction

Group sessions. Instruction, class discussions, and examinations are in English. All teaching materials are in English.

Assessment

Assessment takes the form of a final exam in the form of an essay at the end of the course. The final essay may be replaced by, or complemented with, alternative assessment elements, such as shorter essays assigned during the course, journals, or portfolios. Grades are fail, pass, or pass with distinction.

Students who fail a regular examination will be offered a make-up examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail an examination twice have the right to apply to the head of the department for permission to change examiners or examination forms. If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Transitional provisions

Please contact the student counsellor for transitional regulations in connection with changes in the curriculum.

Other directives

If the curriculum or the course literature for a course module is changed, students have the right to be examined on the original curriculum and course literature on three occasions during the following three terms. After these three opportunities, the right normally expires. No other limitations apply regarding the number of examination opportunities.