SFE10108 English: Culture Studies I (Autumn 2009)

Introduction to issues of intercultural communication with a particular focus on understanding typical British values and norms. A chronological presentation of the development of national institutions, politics, society and culture is given.

The introduction to British literature covers the development from the 17th century until today. The students read four novels, two plays, two short stories and a selection of poetry and factual prose, representing different epochs.

Lectures and seminars. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions and group tasks. Group work outside scheduled classes is encouraged.

Two assignments must be submitted. The first version will receive feedback from the course instructor and a revised version is handed in for approval. The second assignment must use and document secondary sources.

 The coursework must be approved before students may sign up for the final examination.

·        Knutsen, K. og M. Dypedahl. Kompendium: Culture Studies 1 (Tilgjengelig i bokhandel, HiØ)
·        Alexander, M. A History of English Literature
·        Peck, J. and M. Coyle. Literary Terms and Criticism
·        Griffith, K. Writing Essays about Literature

Novels:
·        Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility
·        Mark Haddon: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
·        Virginia Woolf: Mrs. Dalloway
·        J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

Plays:
·        William Shakespeare: Hamlet
·        Tom Stoppard: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead

The following prose, poetry and short stories included in the compendium Culture Studies 1:

Poetry:
William Shakespeare: 2 sonnets
John Donne: "Batter my heart"
Wordsworth: "Upon Westminster Bridge"
John Keats: "Ode to a Nightingale"
Robert Browning: "My Last Duchess"
William Butler Yeats: "Easter 1916"
Wilfred Owen: "Anthem for Doomed Youth"
Dylan Thomas: "Fern Hill"
W.H. Auden: "Musée des Beax Arts"
Seamus Heaney: "Punishment"
Ted Hughes: "Night Ride on Ariel", "Sam"

Prose and short stories:
Jonathan Swift: "A Modest Proposal"
Katherine Mansfield: "The Voyage"
Doris Lessing: "To Room 19"

CULTURE:
·        Oakland, J. (2006) British Civilization: An Introduction (6th ed.)
·        McDowall, D. An Illustrated History of Britain. Longman (latest edition).
·        Knutsen, K. og M. Dypedahl. compendium: Culture Studies 1

Handouts from lectures
Course material on Blackboard

All students must have a English-English dictionary such as Collins Cobuild Dictionary, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, or another learner's dictionary for non-native users of English.