General provisions

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

Entry requirements

120 credits. English A1, B1 and C1, or 90 credits in a language subject or in literary studies.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will be able to

• show understanding of the term 'neoliberal', its significance, and familiarity with relevant scholarship;
• demonstrate knowledge of a range of relevant contemporary literature;
• show knowledge and understanding of relevant historical, social and political contexts for contemporary literature;
• gather, process and synthesise relevant critical material and scholarship;
• show proficiency in their use of critical material in writing;
• show a good ability to participate, orally and in writing, in a discussion of literature and scholarship in fluent, accurate, formal English.

Content

This course explores contemporary U.S. literary culture, from the 1980s and onward, alongside the rise of neoliberalism in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. Through selected readings of both canonical and lesser-known texts, it examines neoliberalism's influence on literary form and representation, and explores connections between contemporary literary culture and the economic, environmental, and social crises that have come to define neoliberalism.

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 supplemented with, alternative assessment elements, such as shorter essays assigned during the course, journals, or portfolios. Grades are fail, pass, or pass with distinction.

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.

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.

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.