General provisions

The course is self-contained course.

Entry requirements

120 credits in a language subject, in comparative literature or in another subject within the humanities, including a degree project of at least 15 credits.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will be able to

• show knowledge of the existing body of research within world literatures and demonstrate an understanding regarding how world literatures are theorized
• use concepts and models of literary theory within the field of world literatures to read works of fiction
• place and discuss world literary theory in a greater historical and socio-political context
• position his/her work within a particular area of specialization in relation to the field of world literature, and develop his/her own distinct critical position
• demonstrate skills in oral and written communication sufficient to produce professional-quality research paper.

Content

How is literature read and constructed in relation to the global? What are world literatures? Today? Historically? This course explores literatures and literary theory beyond the nation and national languages. Taking the notion of world literature as its point of departure the course aims at giving a deep insight into and understanding of a selection of perspectives and methodologies within theories of world literature. The course includes translation theory, reception theory, translingualism, postcolonial studies, system theories; it will take a selection of geographical locations and historical eras as cases in point and thus offer an entrance into a literary theory in the making.

Instruction

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

Distance course with one meeting in Uppsala.

Assessment

Students are examined continuously by means of oral presentations and written assignments. Grades are fail, pass, or, for advanced students, pass with distinction.