ENG4374 - American Literature in the Fifties and Sixties
Course content
The course focuses on American literature during a very exciting time of transition, the period between 1950 and 1970. This was a breakthrough period for important minority groups in American society, both in terms of politics and in the field of literature. At the same time, the prevalence of social criticism in fiction, poetry, and drama was made even more visible by the anti-communist hysteria (McCarthyism), the flowering of the counterculture (especially represented by the members of the Beat Generation), and the growing protest against the Vietnam War. Many of the novels on our reading list (like Catch-22 and On the Road) have later become cult classics.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- developed a broad insight into the literary and ideological landscape that dominated American culture in the fifties and sixties, through the discussion of a set of representative and challenging texts.
- developed your critical reading and writing skills through individual and group work.
- developed an understanding of the relationship between literature, culture and politics.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Id does not exist in shared text No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG2334 - American Literature in the Fifties and Sixties, 5 credits overlap with ENG2311 - America in the Fifties and Sixties (Literature and Civilization) (discontinued) and 5 credits overlap with ENG4351 - America in the Fifties and Sixties (Literature and Civilization) (discontinued).Teaching
The course will be taught as a seminar with two hours of teaching every week for ten weeks, with a teaching-free week in the middle of the semester. The course has obligatory attendance (80%). Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The course uses portfolio assessment, where the portfolio contains a seven-page essay on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the teacher, and a final two-hour classroom exam. The grading uses a scale from A to F.
Examination support material
Id does not exist in shared textEnglish-English dictionary.
Language of examination
Id does not exist in shared textEnglish
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
Id does not exist in shared textSpecial examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.