General provisions

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

Entry requirements

English C or 90 credits in a language subject or in comparative literature

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the module students will be able to

• demonstrate insights into the ethnic and cultural plurality of contemporary American literature;
• demonstrate a good understanding of some of the central works contributing to this plurality;
• show an awareness of the theoretical and critical discussion concerning concepts like exile, diaspora, and home;
• gather and process critical material;
• show proficiency in their 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

American literature is filled with voices from diverse ethnicities and cultures challenging and reshaping its traditional boundaries. Fictional and non-fictional narratives by colonized peoples and diasporic migrants who have settled in the United States problematise questions of national belonging, individual and cultural identity, and the very definition and history of American literature. Exploring texts challenging our contemporary understanding of American literature, this course focuses on issues of ethnicity and indigineity, national borders, multilingualism and cultural memory, diaspora and homelands, and colonial and imperial histories.

Instruction

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

Assessment

Students will complete a written assignment during the course and a summative final essay at the end of the course. 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.

Other regulations

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.

Transitional provisions

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