SFE11520 English: American Literature (Spring 2026)

• Mandatory course in the One-year English Programme (full-time and part-time).
• Mandatory course in the 60 ECTS part of the Bachelor's Programme in Languages for students with English as one of their chosen languages.

• One-year English Programme: 2. semester (spring).
• Bachelor's Programme in Languages with English as one of the chosen languages: 2. or 4. semester (spring).

The course places emphasis on developing in-depth reading skills for literary texts, as well as developing efficient tools for writing about literature.

The course is a wide-ranging review of the development of American literature, with a main focus on the twentieth century. The compulsory part of the syllabus includes novels, plays, works of fiction and poetry. The texts are studied from the perspective of the age and the society from which they emerged.

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge and understanding of American literature
• has knowledge of literary periods, genres and themes in American literature
• has knowledge of the intellectual investigation processes practised in literature studies

Skills

The student

• has analytical and critical skills in his and her encounters with literary texts
• is capable of studying literary works in tke context of their history
• is capable of using the close reading technique as an important analytical tool in the literature field
• preparing written assignments and taking part in discussions as part of the process of analysing and interpreting American literary texts
• is capable of using the MLA style of referencing

General competence

The student

• is capable of independent and critical thinking in the analysis of American literature
• is capable of performing a more critical analysis of written material to understand both direct and underlying content in written texts
• is capable of using research components from the internet and the library to complete written assignments
• is capable of using various digital tools in academic work

• One written assignment. See semester schedule for more details

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required coursework must be approved before the student can sit the exam.

The examination consists of two parts: A written part that counts 25% of the grade, and an oral part that counts 75% of the grade. Both partial exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

Part 1: Individual written home exam, 1 hour duration.

All aids are allowed, except from communication and collaboration with others on the answer.

Grade scale A-F.

Part 2: Individual oral exam, 20 minutes duration.

No aids are allowed.

Grade scale A-F.

Feedback from our students is vital in order for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. The course is evaluated every semester.

The results are considered by/in teacher groups, the head of studies and the local programme committee.