Course content

This course will provide insight into central methodological issues within the field of literature studies. A primary goal is to give students an understanding of the diversity of methods that characterizes literary criticism. The course aims to train students in developing research questions and to assess the applicability and relevance of different research methods, thus providing them with the foundation for developing individual master's projects. The course will provide students with understanding of the connections between critical perspectives and methodological approaches.

Among others, the course will discuss the following topics:

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature and society, literature and history, author and text, and questions related to the literary canon

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature and form, genre and thematics

- Methods for examining the relationship between literature, reading and reception

- The use of physical and digital archives

- Methods for researching literature and education

Learning outcome

Candidates who have passed this course

Knowledge:

• have the knowledge to evaluate the applicability and relevance of different research methods in the research of others as well as in their own

Skills

• can develop research questions in literature studies and at the same time describe what methods may be applicable to examine various problems
• can discuss how different approaches to literature may result in different interpretations of the same text
• are able to apply terms in, and knowledge of, literature studies in practical work with literature
• are able to find and evaluate literary criticism

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/seminars. The course is taught in English or Norwegian. Students are expected to participate actively in the lectures/seminars for example by presentations, comments and other contributions. Students are required to use the course learning platform regularly.

Obligatory assignment: A written assignment in groups where students discuss different methodological choices in working with a literary text. An approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).

Compulsory assignments

• 1 written assignment (in groups)

Recommended previous knowledge

Relevant undergraduate courses in literature.

Required previous knowledge

At least 7.5 credits (studiepoeng) of courses in literature at ENG2000-, FRA2000-, NORD2000-, or TYSK2000-level.

Course materials

A pensum consisting of 700-800 pages of articles/chapter excerpts focused on research methods, plus a limited selection of short literary texts. Curriculum/reading list will be made available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions